Life-Changing Mission helps short-term mission teams get the most out of their trip and live on mission once they get back home. 

AVAILABLE JANUARY 20, 2025

Mission trips give participants a unique opportunity to see and experience God differently than they do at home. While most people who take short-term mission trips describe them as life-changing, the truth is that after they return home, not a lot changes in how they live day-to-day, and the memories start to fade. Life-Changing Mission offers ten impactful devotions from Acts for short-term mission teams that will help them prepare spiritually for their trip, stay connected to Jesus while they serve, and continue to expand God’s kingdom when they return home.

The devotions will help readers connect what they are doing each day to God’s big kingdom and see how God is using them, just as he did the early Christians, to bring hope and healing to the world. Each devotion emphasizes the power of God to use weak and needy people to bring the gospel to a broken world.

• Written by men and women who serve as missionaries and edited by Patric Knaak, Deputy Director of Mission at Serge.
• Includes a pre-trip exercise, ten guided devotions, and space for journaling about the unique memories, people, and experiences encountered along the way.
• Three debriefing sections for after the return home give participants an opportunity to process all they saw and learned.

Life-Changing Mission
from Serge, edited by Patric Knaak
January 20, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-487-8
Religion / Christian Ministry / Missions

Patric Knaak, MA, is the Deputy Director of Mission at Serge, where he helps grow their renewal, church planting, and leadership development programs. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, Patric has worked in curriculum development and was the pastor for spiritual formation at Naperville Presbyterian Church (IL) before joining Serge. He is the editor of On Mission: Devotions for Your Short-Term Trip and coauthor of Psalms: Real Prayers for Real Life. A veteran of nearly a dozen mission trips, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to living out grace at the fray.

Ada, Mich. (November 19, 2024)—On Thursday, November 14, over 200 publishers, authors, and fans attended the 2024 Christy Awards Gala at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Downers Grove, Illinois. This prestigious event, organized by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), recognizes excellence in Christian fiction, and eleven outstanding novels were honored this year. Baker Publishing Group made a strong showing at the gala, with four of its authors receiving awards during the evening’s celebrations.

Amanda Barratt, who received the Novel of the Year Award in 2023, was awarded another Christy in the Historical category for her novel The Warsaw Sisters (Revell; ISBN 9780800741716; Ebook ISBN 9781493443420; $17.99). Amanda was also the keynote speaker at the celebration.

Katie Powner claimed her second consecutive Christy Award, winning in the General Fiction category for The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764242007; Ebook ISBN 9781493443772, $17.99).

Jaime Jo Wright’s novel The Vanishing at Castle Moreau (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764238345, Ebook ISBN 9781493440603, $18.00) was selected as the winning title in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.

Rounding out the wins for Baker Publishing Group was Gabrielle Meyer’s In This Moment (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764239755; 9781493442102; $20.00), which was awarded a Christy in the Speculative category.

ECPA President Jeff Crosby celebrated the power of storytelling, stating, “Stories have a unique power to entertain, encourage, inspire, and prompt reflection. The novels that rose to the status of both finalists and winners all embody those qualities. I extend my sincere congratulations to each of the winning authors and publishing teams that were recognized with the prestigious Christy Award for 2024.”

Baker Publishing Group extends its congratulations to all winners and its appreciation to Jeff Crosby and award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry for presenting the ceremony.

The Christy Award® program was established in 1999 as a way to honor excellence, imagination, and creativity for works of fiction written from a Christian worldview. For the complete list of winners, please visit https://rushtopress.org/edition/for-immediate-release-november-15-2024/.

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.

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.

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

Moody Publishers reflects on 130 years with gratefulness to God for sustaining its place in the book-selling industry. Since its founding in 1894, Moody Publishers has impacted millions of lives across generations by maintaining a commitment to publish books for all stages of the Christian life—from new believers to seasoned pastors and ministry leaders—as a trusted name in Christian publishing.

Eight years after Dwight L. Moody founded The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, he noticed an alarming lack of Christian books for young people. While preaching in Madison, Wisconsin, Moody surveyed a local bookstore and found nothing suitable, so he started his own company in the fall of 1894. The mission of Moody Publishers has always been to spread the message of hope, redemption, and the Gospel. Over the years, the company has sought to resource the church with affordable, truth-filled Christian books.

“We are truly humbled as we look back on 130 years of book publishing. It all started when Dwight L. Moody wanted to provide affordable Christian books for young people—what a legacy and what a timeless vision!” said Randall Payleitner, vice president and publisher. “ As our faithful team and amazing authors continue this great work, we are looking to the Lord to know how to best serve our readers in the days and years to come.”

Over its 130-year history, Moody Publishers has been home to some of the most influential Christian authors, including Gary Chapman, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Charles Ryrie, John MacArthur, Erwin Lutzer, and many others. Their works have shaped and nurtured the faith of countless individuals and families, and their legacy continues to live on through the books published by Moody.

Moody Publishers has distributed more than 300 million books in 70 languages and 130 countries around the world.  When a book is purchased from Moody Publishers, one hundred percent of the profits benefit the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, which exists to educate and equip students for Christian ministry.

For more information about Moody Publishers and its 130th anniversary celebration, visit www.moodypublishers.com.

Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.
—Maya Angelou (1928–2014)

To live without Hope is to cease to live.
—Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881)

Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.
— Anne Frank

The editors at Paraclete Press have compiled a new collection of writings entitled, Anchor of My Soul: A Treasury of Readings on Trust and Hope.  

This beautiful collection weaves together classical and contemporary cherished works of literature, scriptures, poems, and songs paired with beloved works of art, providing opportunities for reflection on three aspects of Hope:

• A Patient Waiting
• Taut Expectancy
• Trustful Anticipation

With reflective works by Walter Ciszek, Emily Dickenson, Nikki Grimes, O.Henry, Julia Ward Howe, Victor Hugo, Helen Keller, Christian Wiman, and others, interspersed with inspired art by Degas, Doerr, Homer, Kandinsky, Pissaro, Redon, Van Gogh, Vermeer and others, this stunning treasury provides comfort, joy, and solace in the exploration of hope.

In a world often shadowed by darkness, where the flickering light of hope can seem distant, the pursuit of true hope is not just comforting—it is imperative.

“May you look forward with expectation, not because of assurance for what the future holds, but because of confidence in who holds the future. May you find strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”
–Editors at Paraclete Press

Anchor of My Soul: A Treasury of Readings on Trust and Hope
Compiled by Editors at Paraclete Press
ISBN 9781640609815 | Pub date January 21, 2025 | Hardcover | 7×9 | 144 pages | $21.99)
www.paracletepress.com

For interviews or review copies, contact:
Publicist Lexa Hale at lexa@paracletepress.com, (508) 236-0658

LittWorld 2024 in Puebla, Mexico:  Publishing for Lasting Impact

(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) – “God’s creativity is evident in the diversity of his Church, a fact that LittWorld showcases beautifully,” said editor Daniel Faria of Brazil. “MAI has created a space for diverse perspectives within the Christian publishing world, allowing us to gain a broader understanding of the gifts and talents bestowed by the Holy Spirit on his Church. I’m grateful to witness this in person!”

One hundred and ninety-two Christian publishing staff and writers from 40 countries gathered in Puebla on November 3-8 for LittWorld 2024, the triennial global publishing conference organized by Media Associates International (MAI). Comix35 NextGen President José Carlos Gutiérrez M., a team from MILAMEX led by Sally Isáis and the newly formed MAI-América Latina Board served as conference hosts.

“The experience has been inspirational and eye-opening!” said Shantal Artieda de Odicio of BCM Peru, whose ministry involves creating engaging content for children to grow in faith.

“It was exciting to see many new people and a good group of young people participate in this year’s LittWorld,” said incoming MAI President Heather Pubols. “This demonstrates how the next generation is eager to be equipped to share words of hope that will impact their communities and beyond.”

Challenged to innovate and be “protagonists in the marketplace”

About 40 speakers and workshop leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas led vision-building and “how-to” sessions for Christian communicators, weaving in the conference theme Publishing for Lasting Impact into their sessions.

“Do you always wait until a new idea is safe before investing in it?” asked Mark Carpenter, CEO of publishing house Mundo Cristão in Brazil. “We’re protagonists in the marketplace. If we’re not innovating, we’re dying. Let’s engage all of society—not just the church—and create useful, delightful, transformational products.”

Delegates were challenged not only to be proactive in the general marketplace, but to create quality content for children. “Stories are the best way to tell truth to young people,” said author and MAI-Europe Board Chair Janet Wilson. “Giving a child a book is like taking them to Jesus.”

“A spirit of generosity should be at the heart of every author’s desire to write,” said Jeremy Taylor, President of Tyndale House Foundation. “I would love to see more local authors, writing in local languages, being published by local publishers, for the benefit of the local church.”

Awarding excellence in global Christian publishing, training and editing

In her home country of Mexico on the final night of LittWorld, Keila Ochoa Harris was awarded Media Associate International’s Distinguished Trainer Award in recognition of her tireless efforts to raise up Christian writers serving the global Church. Keila is also a prolific author, with over 20 published books.

Célimène Bada of Benin has become the first winner of the Judith E. Markham Editorial Legacy Award, an annual grant for the training and professional development of Christian editors in the Majority World. She is an editorial assistant with Presses Bibliques Africaines (PBA) and manager of her church library.

“Representatives from three generations are leading Certeza. Talk about publishing for lasting impact!” MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha said, upon presenting the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award to publishing house Certeza Argentina. Certeza is led by Beatriz Buono, who serves with her daughter, Daniela, and granddaughter, Flor.

“The globalization of publishing makes the MAI community more valuable than ever,” Beatriz said. “I thank God for you.”

A new era for Media Associates International

“That more than half of our participants were first-timers—many in their twenties and thirties—points to the continued hunger and need for the kind of training and networking offered by this unique global publishing conference,” said outgoing MAI President of 26 years John Maust.

Conference participants recognized John on his imminent retirement at the conclusion of LittWorld, and welcomed his successor, Heather Pubols.

“Connecting God’s people together to do his work yields a greater harvest for his kingdom,” said Heather. “LittWorld does just this as it connects Christian writers, editors, and publishers from across the world and amplifies their impact.”

LittWorld is the largest training event of Media Associates International (MAI), which also holds in-country workshops and webinars to equip and encourage Christian publishers and writers in hard places to create excellent content that builds the Church and influences society.

Media enquiries:  trix.wilkins@maiglobal.org Website: www.maiglobal.org.
Subscribe to MAI news and stories: www.mailchi.mp/littworld.org/words-for-the-world

November 2024 | LISLE, IL—Keelia Clarkson, an actress, writer, and podcaster, has signed a two-book contract with InterVarsity Press (IVP) for the Avila Falls series, a classic fiction story of a big city girl returning home to a small town to find herself, faith, and love.

Clarkson describes this series as “The Devil Wears Prada and Gilmore Girls go to church and discover their identity.” She adds that Avila Falls is a contemporary love story with all the fun, romance, and charm of any of the most popular novels for women, but without the problematic content and confusing messaging so often present in today’s love stories.

“So often, the genre of romance is filled not only with oversexualized and problematic storylines but also stories that leave the readers with incomplete, untrue, and confusing messages about love, relationships, and romance,” Clarkson said. “My hope with this book is to offer an enchanting, exciting, engrossing story that offers the reader hope, redemption, and a vision of what true love can look like—without sacrificing enjoyment, fun, and romance.”

As an actress, Clarkson has appeared in popular TV shows like NBC’s New Amsterdam and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and beloved romantic indie films like Miracle on Highway 34. She is playing the lead in the faith-based romance/western Bright Sky. She has been published in multiple print and online outlets, including Magnify Collective, Radiant NYC, and Evie Magazine.

Clarkson is also the editor-in-chief of Wallflower Journal, which launched in January 2022 and has since reached hundreds of thousands of women. She leads a team of women writers covering topics of relationships, lifestyle, beauty, personal stories, and culture. She launched the Dear Wallflower podcast in September 2022 to thousands of young women listeners and receives up to 3k
downloads per month.

Clarkson lives between New York City, Los Angeles, and Colorado Springs with her husband, Nathan Clarkson, an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and best-selling author. She is the daughter-in-law of beloved speaker/podcaster and best-selling author Sally Clarkson

The first title in the Avila Falls series will release in Spring 2026. The acquiring agent is Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, and Clarkson is represented by Don Pape of Pape Commons.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

Carol Stream, IL (November 25, 2024) – Tyndale House Publishers is thrilled to announce that they have been honored with three Christy Awards, including Book of the Year. The Christy Awards celebrate excellence in the art of Christian fiction and recognize the power of faith in storytelling.

“Indigo Isle” by T.I Lowe, was named the winner in the Contemporary Romance category and also received the coveted Book of the Year award. The book tells the captivating story of Sonny Bates, a Hollywood location scout who returns to her South Carolina roots for a film project. There, she meets Hudson Renfrow, a grief-stricken former New York attorney who lives in isolation, tending his indigo fields. As they spend time together, Hudson’s guarded exterior begins to crack, revealing his vulnerability and longing for redemption.

“Indigo Isle is a testament to T.I Lowe’s ability to create authentic and engaging characters that resonate with readers.” Said Karen Watson, Publisher of Tyndale Fiction. “From our very first look at Tonya’s work, we knew she had the ability to write characters bursting with authentic, engaging humanity. Indigo Isle is a delightful example of why we are so honored to be her publisher. She is a writer with many more great stories to be told. We are thrilled with this wonderful recognition for her!”

“Of Love and Treason” by Jamie Ogle, was named the winner in the Historical Romance category. Set in AD 270, the novel follows the story of Valentine, who defies the Roman emperor’s marriage ban by secretly performing weddings. As a public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine risks his life out of conviction. Iris, the blind daughter of a Roman jailor, seeks out Valentine’s church in hopes of healing her sight, but finds herself drawn to both his faith and him personally.

“Jamie Ogle is a talented author whose gift for crafting compelling, immersive fiction shines through in Of Love and Treason, a retelling of the legend of St. Valentine,” said Elizabeth Jackson, Senior Acquisitions Editor. “It is wonderful to see this novel recognized as a Christy Award-winner in the historical romance category and we congratulate Jamie on this well-earned achievement.”

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, Sr. Director of Public Relations & Author Relations, at andreamartin@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (November 25,2024)—As NavPress enters its fiftieth year as the book publishing ministry of The Navigators, Olivia Eldredge has been named as the editor of record for forthcoming Message Bible products.

“Olivia is a clutch player, omnicompetent,” said David Zimmerman, publisher of NavPress. “She’s brought excellence to every task in front of her during her time at NavPress, and we’re already seeing fresh and compelling ideas from her for the future of The Message.”

The Message is a translation of the Bible from the original languages by pastor, scholar, and poet Eugene H. Peterson. The New Testament was first published in 1993, with the full Bible being released in 2002 and a numbered edition completed in 2005. With sales of The Message well over 20 million copies since its first release, it was the capstone of Peterson’s writing career and remains a prominent, defining feature of NavPress’s publishing program.

“Eugene’s work on The Message has been stewarded by numerous editors over the decades,” said Rick Christian, Founder/CEO Emeritus of Alive Literary, who has represented Peterson and his literary estate for the whole history of The Message. “Olivia steps into a great tradition and we’re looking forward to working more closely together.”

Mark Heffentrager, Vice President of Business Ministries for The Navigators, shared, “We’re excited, in NavPress’s fiftieth year, to have such a talented editor at the helm of The Message.”

From 1975 until today and into the future, NavPress equips people with bold, loving, and sensible disciplemaking resources, including books, Bible studies, and The Message® Bible. A business ministry of The Navigators, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world, since 2014. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.  Learn more at navpress.com/purpose or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 12, 2024 – Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) announced today it has been awarded a $1.25M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support its Nurturing Young Disciples Initiative — a program that will engage congregations and families through cross-generational worship and prayer practices. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.

The Nurturing Young Disciples Initiative will develop and implement programs that provide faith-building experiences for children by providing resources that enrich Bible storytelling, worship, and prayer, integrating these resources into both liturgical practices and the daily rhythms of children and their families.

“ODBM’s history and dedication to Bible engagement provide our teams a unique opportunity to encourage faith formation in children and youth by connecting the areas of life that seem to have grown more distant: relationships between the generations and connections between home and church,” said Chriscynethia Floyd, vice president of publishing at Our Daily Bread Ministries. “Our prayer is that making these connections will increase the vibrancy of church and home life, as well as combat the decline in faith formation among young people.”

ODBM is one of 91 organizations that received grants through a competitive round of Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. Reflecting a wide variety of Christian traditions, the organizations represent Catholic, mainline and evangelical Protestant, Orthodox, Anabaptist, and Pentecostal faith communities.

“Congregational worship and prayer play a critical role in the spiritual growth of children and offer settings for children to acquire the language of faith, learn their faith traditions and experience the love of God as part of a supportive community,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These programs will help congregations give greater attention to children and how they can more intentionally nurture the faith of children, as well as adults, through worship and prayer.”

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

Our Daily Bread Ministries is a donor-supported, global Bible engagement ministry with a staff of 700 serving in 32 offices to distribute more than 60 million resources in 58 languages throughout 150 countries. Often known for its global devotional, the ministry produces short form Bible content across print, video, audio, and digital platforms to help people connect with God every day in every way. For more than 86 years, the ministry’s mission has remained the same: to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2025

W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced the upcoming release of Monique Rodriguez’s highly anticipated book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World, set to launch April 15, 2025.

Rodriguez, renowned founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands, recently celebrated the brand’s 10-year anniversary. Previously a registered nurse, Monique had gone into the field for financial stability, but quickly realized she was yearning for more fulfillment. After experiencing a personal tragedy, and having always had a passion for beauty, Monique began to pursue her journey with haircare as a way to transform her pain into purpose – and from that place of grief, Mielle Organics was born. Today, Mielle is found in more than 100,000 stores around the globe.

In The Glory in Your Story, Rodriguez will inspire readers across the globe by exploring how taking smart risks and following your faith can lead to both personal and professional success.

“When you step out on faith, there’s always the doubt that says you cannot do it – but I knew my vision came from God, and I had to trust the process and know that on the other side was the progress,” says Rodriguez. “I learned to shift my mindset and feed my faith and not my fears. I wrote The Glory in Your Story with the hope of helping others recognize and unlock their own unique possibilities, and to motivate them to tap into their faith and inner strength to reveal the incredible glory that shines in their own story.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Monique to share her inspiring story in this book,” said W Publishing Group Vice President and Publisher Damon Reiss. “Readers everywhere will resonate with Monique’s personal journey of remaining true to her vision and community despite personal and career challenges. Monique’s story is a shining example of how an unwavering faith and believing in yourself can lead to extraordinary outcomes and send ripples of positivity throughout the world.”

Learn more at thegloryinyourstory.com.

Monique Rodriguez is the Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics, one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands. Previously a registered nurse, Monique’s career path shifted after experiencing a devastating personal loss – she needed a creative outlet to help process her grief and turned to her original passion, haircare. From that place of grief, Mielle Organics was born, and Monique has since broken glass ceilings and barriers for female and Black founders, notably securing the largest exit ever for a Black Female beauty founder. She is a wife, mother of two girls, and a devout Christian. She has dedicated her life to uplifting God’s Kingdom and moving in His purpose. Her journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating the power of passion, perseverance, and community.

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

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