October 6, 2023 — We are pleased to share that The Wayfarer: Perspectives on Forced Migration and Transformational Community Development (Langham Publishing: HippoBooks,  2021) has been longlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize 2023. The Wayfarer was chosen from more than 110 titles submitted by readers and publishers for this year’s Michael Ramsey Prize longlist.

Luke Lewis, Director of Publishing at Langham Publishing commented, “It brings great joy to see this significant work being acknowledged by such a prestigious award. I was with Dr. Msabah in Nairobi when we received the news of his book making the longlist; he was equally overjoyed. In a world confronted with regular crises prompting mass migrations, books like this are vital for the church, and there is no one more suited to address this particular subject than Dr. Msabah.”

About the Book

In The Wayfarer, Dr. Barnabé Anzuruni Msabah engages the global refugee crisis from an interdisciplinary perspective that encompasses both development studies and theological reflection. Using specific examples from Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, Msabah provides an overview of the sociopolitical, economic, and environmental dynamics of forced migration while simultaneously exploring theological and cultural frameworks for understanding transformational community development.

While the church’s mandate is to act with justice and mercy towards the world’s most vulnerable populations, Msabah also reminds us that refugees are not passive recipients but powerful examples of courage, resilience, and hope who can, in their turn, transform our nations and our faith communities for the better.

About the Author

BARNABÉ ANZURUNI MSABAH holds a PhD in Theology and Development (Practical Theology), specializing in community development, from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He is Tearfund’s Regional Coordinator for Church and Community Transformation (CCT) in East and Central Africa and teaches theology and development at Pan Africa Christian University, Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Msabah is a former refugee and has experienced many of the challenges that refugee communities face around the world, as well as the resilience, courage and hope with which refugees face those challenges.

Praise for the Book

Weaving in his personal journey, Dr. Barnabé Anzuruni Msabah lays the groundwork to grasp the breadth and depth of the global and African challenge of migration and refugees to move the body of Christ to action. Practical paths for engagement are provided for people of faith and faith-communities to embody the good news. This book issues a call to use our collective power of Ubuntu towards hope and transformation while recognizing the God-given image and resource of the stranger in our midst.  –Selena D. Headley, Cornerstone Institute

Dr. Anzuruni’s book outlines the means by which the church can respond to the critical needs of refugees. In doing so, this work makes a defiant claim for the radical nature of God’s identification with those on the margins. This book is a must read!  –Anthony Reddie, Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture

About Langham Publishing

Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we publish books for Christian leaders, preachers, and scholars that represent a diverse church around the world, furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.

Find out more about The Wayfarer.
Get more information about Langham Publishing.
Get more information about Langham Partnership.
Download the Media Pack.

Contact: For press related questions and information on the The Wayfarer, sophia.soloviy@langham.org

TEMPE, ARIZ., OCTOBER 9, 2023 – ECPA has announced the recipients of the Emerging Leader scholarship and mentorship program for ECPA PubU – the industry’s training and networking event for Christian publishing professionals, taking place as an online conference in six publishing tracks from October 27 to November 13, 2023.

Nominations were made by Christian publishing companies to invest in the emerging leaders in their organizations. Since 2016, 100 emerging leaders have gone through the program, adding now an additional 28 professionals from 16 companies – the largest class to date.

“What a joy it has been to watch the Emerging Leaders program develop over the past eight years and to encounter people who are doing remarkable work in Christian publishing, even early in their careers,” Jeff Crosby, ECPA president, said. “I extend my congratulations to each of the 28 people in this year’s class, and look forward to the sessions at PubU and to hearing how the mentoring relationships have impacted participants.”

Edwina Perkins, managing editor for Harambee Press – serves on the ECPA PubU Brain Trust as the coordinator of this year’s Emerging Leader program. She will be coordinating the matching of each mentee with an industry mentor.  “Emerging leaders are the ones to impact the future direction of the Christian publishing industry,” states Edwina. “What an honor and privilege it is to assist in connecting them with mentors. I believe this class of 28 will greatly contribute to the industry and the lives they touch through their growth as leaders.” 

ECPA is pleased to present the 2023 PubU class of Emerging Leader scholars:

 

Whitney Walker Alexander serves as the Marketing Strategist for trade books and kids books for B&H Publishing, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources.  She brings her years of experience in healthcare marketing to Christian publishing and has already been leading in the industry, most recently as the Marketing Brain Trust lead for PubU. @whitneywalexander

 

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Nick Bannister is a sales manager for The Good Book Company utilizing his relational strengths and passion for excellent content. He holds an MA in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and previously worked in content/curriculum development at David C. Cook.

 

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Rachael Wing Betz is a Copywriter and the Fiction Social Media Manager at Bethany House Publishers where she crafts copy for books of all varieties and strategizes, creates, and forms connections through multiple platforms. Her passion lies in helping both publishers and authors tell their stories through strong copy and engaging visual social content. @sincerely.rachael

 

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Alberto I. Bonilla-Giovanetti is the Academic Editorial Assistant at InterVarsity Press. He loves working with books on biblical studies, history, theology, and languages and culture.  He is a native Spanish speaker and has studied Greek and Hebrew, and has an MA and ThM in biblical studies from Asbury Theological Seminary.

 

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Elysia Brewer is a proofreader and developmental editor with 1517 Publishing and sees her role as the bridge between author and reader. She looks forward to many decades of working alongside writers, helping to convey their words of wisdom to a world of eager readers.  She has an MA from University of Exeter and resides in England.

 

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Shauna Carlos is a Publicity Assistant at WaterBrook & Multnomah and Convergent Books, working on a wide range of titles including Christian Living, memoirs, general nonfiction, and fiction. She is an avid book lover and hopes to continue with a career in publishing to help continue the pursuit of diverse voices in Christian literature.

 

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Ruth Castle serves as the managing editor of adult resources at New Growth Press where she has worked for six years. With a background in English, French, and counseling, Ruth is passionate about biblical counseling, missions, and discipleship. Ruth grew up in West Africa and graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

 

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Molly Crowson is a Publishing Assistant for Harrington Interactive Media (HIM Publications) where she enjoys editing, managing content creation, assisting in managing book production, and helping people share their stories. She has a BA in English with minors in French, Editing and Publishing.

 

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Fanny Gonzalez is an Operations and Business Analysis Manager at Lexham Press. She is responsible for managing inventory, print production, and domestic and international distribution. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and a good cup of coffee.

 

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Emma Greydanus is an Assistant Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group, helping bring a broad range of engaging nonfiction books to market. Having previously marketed for life science companies and nonprofits, Emma is now using her years of experience to fuel her passion for publishing and leading her team into new areas of innovation and growth.

 

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Elizabeth Groening is a Publicity & Marketing Assistant at WaterBrook & Multnomah where she has built intentional relationships with colleagues and authors, while leading multiple publicity campaigns for fiction, creative, and children’s titles. As a creative writer with an MA in Journalism, she’s covered everything from winemaking to wildfires to women’s rights.

 

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Lauren Groves is an acquisitions editor for B&H Kids. Lauren enjoys editing and writing and has particularly loved acquiring new authors. Lauren has edited for Bible Studies for Life, The Gospel Project, and ParentLife Magazine, wrote curriculum for TeamKid, and wrote a 365-day devotional for B&H called New Year, New You.

 

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Subaas Gurung is the Rights and Contracts Coordinator for InterVarsity Press.  He was raised by missionary parents, spending much of his childhood in Nepal.  After receiving a BA from Wheaton College, he worked in refugee resettlement with World Relief in Chicago. He now enjoys working with IVP’s international publishing partners.

 

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Anthony Jones is a freelance editor for Publishing in Color and a contributor for Our Daily Bread Ministries, authoring several devotionals on modern society. Previously, he worked as an editorial intern for Urban Ministries. He is a graduate of Fisk University, and currently working toward a Masters in Journalism from Northwestern. He loves pairing his passion for editing and writing to help others in their walk with Christ.

 

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Amanda Keesee is a Rights and Contracts Assistant at InterVarsity Press. Her work includes managing permission requests, protecting the copyright of IVP books, and assisting with contracts for sublicensing and freelancers. She derives great joy seeing IVP books in different languages.  Amanda has a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute and enjoys singing, crafting, and finding good stories.

 

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Karina Lopez is the Publishing Coordinator at XO Publishing. Her lifelong learner mindset launched her from proofreading marketing copy to being invited to join the developing publishing department, where she oversees title management, income statement reporting, and distribution. She is passionate about connecting people with fulfilling resources.

 

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Ashley Mulder is the marketing director for Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA), responsible for promotional efforts, author interviews, reviews, and conference attendance. She also manages their social media and blog.  Before that role, she worked for RFPA as a freelance copywriter. She is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Dordt University in Iowa.

 

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Natalie Nyquist works as an editor at Nelson Books, a trade imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Before that she taught the editing course sequence at UC Berkeley and did freelance editing for traditional publishers.  She did her undergrad in biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute before earning the graduate editing certificate at the University of Chicago.

 

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Muthoni Omukhango is the National Director at CLC Kenya. She has been instrumental in setting up book programs, a publishing arm, an author’s program serving over 900 authors from 13 countries in Africa, writing classes, missions programs and children’s publishing programs. She writes on marriage, parenting, and publishing in Africa at muthoniomukhango.kenyaclc.org.

 

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Levi Phillips is a Marketing Associate with WaterBrook & Multnomah and is passionate about creating innovative ways to connect readers to content. His multi-cultural background gives him understanding across diverse marketing demographics.  He has served at Biblica and The Navigators, and trained at the Focus Leadership Institute and the Walt Disney College Program.

 

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Rebecca Schriner, a nonfiction publicist with Baker Publishing Group, earned her MA in Public Relations from Ball State University. Before Baker, she worked as a publicist for Light Messages and in digital marketing. She has been a guest speaker in Taylor’s Professional Writing program and her writing has been featured in Brio and The Secret Place magazines. @Rebecca_Publicist

 

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Lindsay Schubert joined the Bethany House Publishers marketing team in 2021 and is also a writer of poetry and picture books. She is a graduate of Central Washington University’s English: Professional and Creative Writing B.A. program, volunteered as a poetry reader for Chestnut Review, and is also a nurse. Her work appears in Poetry Northwest.

 

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Kristen Terrette is the Media Manager for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., an author, and literary agent. With a background in education and theology, Kristen served as a children’s ministry director and women’s leader for many years before returning to her first love—writing the stories playing out in her head—and now diving into the publishing world. kristenterrette.com

 

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Kaylee Terry is the Finance Manager for New Growth Press where she provides financial guidance to the NGP leadership team. Kaylee’s deep-rooted faith and reliance on Biblical counsel drive her decision-making, creating a harmonious blend of values and expertise.  She is a graduate of Messiah University and a former emerging leader with the Piedmont Fellows.

 

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Anna Tjernstrom is the Publicist for IVP Kids, focusing her efforts on connecting with bloggers and media outlets. She brings years of children’s ministry experience to her post and in addition to managing the publicity operations, Anna has stepped up to increase the reach of the IVP Kids line of books.

 

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Irene Tucker is a Marketing Copywriter for David C Cook.  She’s currently advancing her storytelling skills at the Los Angeles Film School, specializing in cinematic storytelling to capture stories that define the human experience through writing and film. Irene finds her purpose in supporting women and fellow mothers who’ve braved the storms of hardship and loss.

 

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Anne Van Solkema is the Fiction Publicist for Bethany House Publishers, with previous roles at Baker Publishing as a marketing and publicity assistant. She graduated from Calvin University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and has held positions at Calvin University and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

 

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Ashley Veneman serves as a Marketing Specialist for books for B&H Publishing, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. She holds a BA in Communications from Union University, and an MA in Communication Rhetoric from The University of Memphis. Ashley loves teaching young women in her local church, photography, and planning epic road trips.

 

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ECPA PubU Online will include over 40 webinars, master classes, and networking sessions in several training tracks for Design, Editorial, Marketing, Production & Operations, Rights, and Children’s Literature – offered from October 27 to November 13.  Registration is open at ECPAPubU.org.

About ECPA PubU: ECPA PubU has delivered training, connection, networking and inspiration to the industry’s frontline practitioners since 2004.  Industry leaders develop the program to invest in the expertise of their colleagues, and train up the next generation of leaders.  For more information, visit ECPAPubU.org.

About ECPA: The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media Contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President & CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Sheri Toomb, Marketing Manager, stoomb@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998 ext. 104

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—September 28, 2023—Rod Wilson, former president of Regent College, has received a Word Award for his book Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More. (NavPress, 2022). The Word Awards honor “the Best of Canadian Christian Writing,” and award recipients for works published in 2022 were announced on September 19.

The Word Awards, presented by The Word Guild, “recognize the work of Canadian writers who are Christian . . . to make Christian writing in Canada the very best it can be.” Wilson’s book won in the Instructional category and also received an award of merit in the Christian Living—Personal Growth category.

In his book Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More., Wilson instructs “How to Change the World with 3 Sacred Sayings.” He contends that these three simple phrases heal relationships, strengthen connection, and have the power to change the world. He explains how they can help us become better people, friends, partners, employees, neighbors, and global citizens. He counsels that having been brought up on rugged individualism, we often slip into self-centeredness and a corresponding sense of entitlement and have lost the ability to speak with gentleness toward one another. He asserts that we have replaced kind words that connect us to one another with ones that divide, isolate, and hurt. Everywhere we turn, there is deep conflict.

In this simple yet profound book, clinical psychologist Rod Wilson introduces readers to the sacredness of these familiar but forgotten sayings and the powerful impact they have on our relationships.

“Like Rod himself, Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More. is a delight,” said NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “Brief, brisk, thoughtful, gracious—Rod packed a lot of insight into his little book. We’re pleased but not surprised to see him receive this recognition.”

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit www.navpress.com.

NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

The Word Awards were established by The Word Guild to encourage the pursuit of excellence in the art, craft, practice and ministry of writing and help raise the profile of Canadian writers who are Christian. For more information about The Word Guild please visit www.thewordguild.com.  You can see the complete list of winners for The 2023 Word Awards below and at www.thewordguild.com/media.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

September 2023 | WESTMONT, IL—Published in 2016 by InterVarsity Press, The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery quickly became the go-to primer for the ancient personality typing. Coming up on its seventh anniversary in October, the book that Publishers Weekly calls “the most popular Enneagram title to date” has officially sold more than one million copies, contributing to widespread Enneagram interest and the growing numbers of Enneagram enthusiasts.

While the Enneagram has gradually been gaining interest since the 1970s, its popularity has become more of a phenomenon in recent years. In March of 2023 #enneagram had 370 million views on TikTok, and in the past two years more than twenty-one thousand articles across hundreds of well-respected media outlets have been written about the Enneagram. The Enneagram is also fully embraced by some corporations as a tool that can help workers collaborate better. Certified Enneagram coaches are often hired for office retreats or HR seminars.

The Enneagram, a personality typing system known for its uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, has seen a spike in popularity in the last decade. Providing clear, action-oriented explanations of the positive and negative dynamics of each of the nine Enneagram types and pairing them with poignant personal stories, The Road Back to You, coauthored by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, puts the wisdom of an ancient tool within easy, entertaining reach for greater self-awareness, offering insights into personal and professional relationships, and profound applications for spiritual growth.

Jena Lee Nardella, cofounder of Blood:Water and author of One Thousand Wells, said, “As a newbie to the Enneagram, The Road Back to You offered a delightful and accessible way to honestly examine my own motivations and consider the best path toward growth and flourishing. This book is a must-read for those who seek to not only understand themselves better, but those closest to them as well.”=

In an interview with CNBC Abbey Howe, an Enneagram coach since 2020, says she grew up taking the Myers-Briggs Test and other personality tests, but said the Enneagram is different. She first heard of the Enneagram test from a friend but didn’t take it seriously until she read The Road Back to You. “I cried all the way through it,” she said. “I felt like my whole life I had been really anxious and wanting to make my parents proud of me and it felt like life or death. I had to succeed at whatever I put my mind to and failure was not an option.”

“The deeper you go, the more you learn about how much [the Enneagram] offers us in terms of honestly finding our way back to who we were before,” said Stabile in a June 2023 interview with Women’s Health. “We had to put on so much protection and personality to make our way in the world.” Enneagrams are based on motivation, not behavior, she explains, and each type has an unconscious motivation that influences how they act.

Witty and filled with stories, The Road Back to You allows Enneagram fans and those curious about the Enneagram to peek inside each of the nine Enneagram types not only to learn and relearn more about themselves, but also to start to see the world through other people’s eyes, understanding how and why people think, feel, and act the way they do.

The nine Enneagram types are:

• Type One: The Perfectionist
• Type Two: The Helper
• Type Three: The Performer
• Type Four: The Romantic
• Type Five: The Investigator
• Type Six: The Loyalist
• Type Seven: The Enthusiast
• Type Eight: The Challenger
• Type Nine: The Peacemaker

“Over the years people have told me that working with the Enneagram has helped them find healing in their marriages, relate to their children with greater understanding, and become more forgiving, patient, and compassionate toward those who differ from them,” writes Cron. “They know the crooked timber from which their own hearts are made.

“I do not believe the Enneagram is infallible or inerrant. I do not think it is the be-all and end-all of Christian spirituality. People go through life without ever hearing about it and they get along just fine.

“That said, here’s my advice: If you find that this book supports you on your spiritual path, great. If not, don’t throw it away. Put it on your bookshelf instead. It might come in handy one day. Life hands us a challenging syllabus. We need all the help we can get.”

Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, counselor, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. His most recent book is titled The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives.

Suzanne Stabile is a highly sought-after speaker, teacher, and internationally recognized Enneagram master teacher who has taught thousands of people over the last thirty years. She is the author of The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships and The Journey Toward Wholeness: Enneagram Wisdom for Stress, Balance, and Transformation. She is also the creator and host of The Enneagram Journey podcast. Along with her husband, Rev. Joseph Stabile, she is cofounder of Life in the Trinity Ministry, a nonprofit, nondenominational ministry committed to the spiritual growth and formation of adults.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Helping Children Discover the Most Valuable Treasure of All

Marty Machowski’s latest storybook leads families in an innovative Bible study 

With his latest release, best-selling children’s book author Marty Machowskihelps families grow in knowing and loving God through reading the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts together. The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New of Jesus and His Church (New Growth Press/October 2, 2023) takes young readers on an exciting biblical voyage to discover the treasure of God’s love revealed in Luke’s letters to Theophilus. While these New Testament books are often thought of as two separate books telling different stories, they are really two halves of one greater story recorded by Luke. Through Luke’s retelling of Jesus’s work on earth and the Spirit’s work in growing the church, we see the Father’s love on full display.

In the tradition of his well-loved bestsellers The Ology and WonderFull, Machowski weaves a study of the Bible with a fictional story. The Treasure follows the adventures of Mira and Theos who discover a sea captain’s personal journal which offers clues to a hidden treasure. They can only solve the riddle of the treasure by studying two ancient scrolls, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Young readers will journey with the siblings as they solve their puzzle and discover the captain’s treasure—Christ!

“To help children learn how to understand the truths of Luke and Acts, The Treasure follows the story of a family who is also reading through Luke’s narrative. As you journey with Theos, Mira, and Lydia, encourage your children to make personal connections in their own lives,” Machowski encourages.

The Treasure is designed to be read alongside the Bible as a family, developing a time for regular family devotions and encouraging families to study the Bible together. The text is written for elementary school ages, but the vivid, full-color illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino will help the youngest members of the family to follow along. Also included at the end of the book is a Bible study for older children that connects Luke and Acts with the Old Testament.

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly writes, “In The Treasure, Marty Machowski takes his young readers on an engaging guided tour through the books of Luke and Acts. As children read the scriptural text, followed by Marty’s insightful teachings and reflections on each passage, they will become more deeply acquainted with their Savior, his mission, and his love for mankind.”

• The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New of Jesus and His Church
• By Marty Machowski
• Illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
• ISBN 978-1-64507-316-1
• October 2, 2023 / Retail Price $29.99
• Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press.  He is the author of a number of family devotionals, Sunday School curriculums (including the Gospel Story Curriculum), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Light Before Christmas, The Treasure, and Angels on Your Side.  Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Instagram (@martymachowski) and Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

About the Illustrator:  Flavia Sorrentino lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Rome, where she grew up. She loves her city and the figure of speech, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” which inspires her each day to seek new ways of communication and expression. She has worked hard on her technique which has taken her across the globe, from France to America and beyond!

Contact: Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

Twelve True-Life Stories of Courageous Women Shared in The Voice of the Martyrs’ New Book: Hearts of Fire 2 

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — The dynamic witness of 12 women whose true stories are told in The Voice of the Martyrs’ new book will bring to life the words penned by the writer of Hebrews, “Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken…” (Heb. 12:28-29).

In In Hearts of Fire 2: Twelve Inspiring Stories of Costly Faith from Today’s Persecuted Christians, readers will meet Tamara and her husband living out their faith in Isfara, Tajikistan. Shortly after she and her husband moved there, a group of local Muslim women paid her a visit. After welcoming the women into her home, Tamara realized their visit was not a friendly one. The visitors knew Tamara and her husband were sharing the gospel and declared that they needed to leave the city. Christians—especially those who would share their faith with Muslims—were not welcome.

From the Columbian evangelist on the run for witnessing to guerilla fighters, to the American woman who publicly forgave the Islamic extremists’ who gunned down her husband on the streets of Benghazi, Libya, these women’s lives were turned upside down when they obeyed the words of Christ. However, each embraced the hope found only in the unshakeable, eternal kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Readers will be inspired by the testimonies of 11 other women who share how God strengthened them and provided for them when their earthly kingdom was shaken as they served Him.

For more than 50 years, VOM has shared the real-life stories of Christians serving in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ. VOM’s newest volume brings you true accounts of courageous women–heroes of the faith who represent countless others facing similar trials today. These role models of faith and obedience will inspire you to pursue Christ with a heart aflame, no matter the cost.

• Author: The Voice of the Martyrs
• Publisher: VOM Books
• Suggested Retail: $17.99
• ISBN/UPC: 978-0-88264-234-5
• Pub Date: October 1st, 2023
• Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspirational
• Code: REL012040
• Dimensions: 5.75″ X 8.50″ X 1.25″
• Page Count: 400
• Format: SC

About The Voice of the Martyrs
Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization serving persecuted Christians in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ. For more information, visit VOM.org.

About VOM Books
VOM Books, the publishing arm of The Voice of the Martyrs, is well-known for inspiring believers with bestselling titles such as Tortured for Christ, which sold over 10 million copies in 60 languages worldwide, Jesus Freaks: Martyrs: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, with more than 1.1 million copies in distribution, and highly-popular Extreme Devotion: Voice of the Martyrs.

Outreach magazine is now accepting submissions for its annual Outreach Resources of the Year, which will be featured in the March/April 2024 issue.

The Resources of the Year honors resources specifically focused on outreach in areas such as evangelism, apologetics, compassionate service and cross-cultural ministry. Your submissions are the critical first step in determining what resources will earn recognition as the “best.” Thank you for your participation. Please submit only those resources that you believe best emphasize outreach-oriented ministries. (Please note we are not accepting biographies, pamphlets, autobiographies, fiction, devotionals, gift books, or revised or expanded editions.)

Submitted works will be considered only if they were released and available to the public between Nov. 1, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2023.

For a submission form or more information, contact Lora Schrock at lschrock@outreach.com.

Professional athlete and Paralympian Scout Bassett began her journey to embrace who she is—past and all—by never forgetting where she comes from or who she is. With this guidebook on adversity and life, readers will learn how to make peace with their past, own their identity, and create their own luck.

As an infant in China, Scout was the victim of a fire, causing her to lose her right leg. She spent the next seven years in an orphanage, before being adopted and whisked away to the United States, where she felt foreign in every way. Though she defied the odds and became a gold medalist and world-record holder, Scout fought against adversity her entire life—and mostly off the track. As a disabled person, a minority, and a woman in America, she’s struggled in a culture that can make anyone—no matter who you are—feel like an outsider, an “other.”

In LUCKY GIRL (Worthy Books, September 26, 2023, ISBN: 9781546003861), Scout shares ten lessons she’s learned to help readers overcome some of the most difficult challenges in life today. With vulnerability, humor, and warmth, she addresses issues of identity, loneliness, image, purpose, and high expectations, among others, and offers advice for how to face them. Scout inspires readers to believe that the most important wins in life have nothing to do with medals or records. The biggest win in life is figuring out your why and having the courage to live out the answer.

Scout Bassett started playing sports at a young age as a way to assimilate into American culture. She tried basketball, softball, golf, and tennis before competitively racing in track & field. She is now an American sprinter and long jumper, holding seven national championship titles. In 2016 she represented the United States at the Paralympic Games in Rio, and in 2017 she was a World Championship medalist. In addition to her career as a professional athlete, Scout is an ambassador for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a Women’s Sports Foundation board member, and serves on the Gatorade Women’s Advisory Board. She was a guest star on Project Runway, and has appeared in numerous campaigns for brands like Nike, Citi, Procter & Gamble, Bridgestone Tires, SKIMS, and more.

September 21, 2023, NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Zondervan today announced that Keren Baltzer has joined the company as associate publisher for Zondervan Books. Zondervan Books is the home to multiple award-winning books and bestselling authors including Rick Warren, Shauna Niequist, Craig Groeschel, Lee Strobel, and Rebekah Lyons.

Baltzer joins the company with more than twenty years of publishing experience, most recently at Penguin Random House, where she was VP, editorial director of Convergent and Image. She has worked with a range of bestselling authors including Kate Bowler, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Lisa-Jo Baker, Pope Francis, Jenny Marrs, Jay Stringer, Leanne Morgan, and the Henri Nouwen estate.

As the associate publisher for Zondervan Books, Baltzer will acquire new authors and assist in leading the editorial strategy for Zondervan Books. Baltzer commented, “I am delighted to join Zondervan Books, a publisher I have long admired both for its storied past and its continual dedication to publishing solid, faithful books. It’s a joy to be a part of this team.” Her first day was September 18, 2023.

“Keren comes to us with a passion for publishing, a heart for our mission, and deep publishing experience,” remarked Webster Younce, VP and publisher of Zondervan Books. “We are delighted that she is now part of the Zondervan team.”

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, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Devin Duke, Senior Publicity Manager, Zondervan Books, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

Leveling Up Your Family Discipleship

New weekly devotional gives families the opportunity to establish the building blocks of faith, one level at a time. 

In this digital age, it can be difficult to keep kids’ attention, especially during family devotional time. However, kids have always loved asking questions, and they do like a challenge. Faith Builder Catechism: Devotions to Level Up Your Family Discipleship (New Growth Press/September 25, 2023) gives kids both with fifty-two questions and answers in a fun and interactive format to help them “level up” on biblical truth. This weekly devotional will help families press pause on screen time and develop healthy discipleship rhythms.

Faith Builder Catechism was written by three dads, Kevin Hippolyte, Jared Kennedy, and Trey Kullman, all raising kids in a digital world, experienced in children’s and family ministry. They understand what capture kids attention. “The enthralling video games take place in elaborate kingdoms. They have characters we embody and root for, as well as stories we connect with. Whether you’re rescuing princesses with Super Mario Bros., scoring goals on the latest FIFA game, or slicing up flying objects with your beat saber, players learn—clumsily at first and then with greater ease—to inhabit a video game’s world,” the authors write. “The same is true with our faith. We don’t dive into the complexities of the Trinity with preschoolers. When building a Christian worldview, we first introduce kids to the basics of the Christian life by telling simple Bible stories, memorizing short verses, and rehearsing bedtime prayers.”

The authors lead the way for families to establish regular discipleship conversations and cultivate a deeper knowledge of the theology expressed in the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments, the doctrines of grace, the Great Commission, and the Lord’s Prayer. They help families build a biblical worldview step by step by focusing on five areas that serve as levels: God’s glory, God’s kingdom, the gospel, God’s church, and God’s mission. The book includes fun stickers so kids can “level up” and track their progress at each stage.

“We wanted to write a book that was an easy win for parents stepping into discipling their kids for the first time. Something that didn’t require a Bible degree to work through, or hours of preparation to pull off. Most parents feel strapped for time as it is, and don’t feel qualified to walk through the Bible with their children, so we wanted to build a resource parents could pull off the shelf alongside a Bible and feel good about time spent pointing their kids to Jesus and the deep truths of the Christian faith,” the authors explain.

Whether a family is taking their first steps in family discipleship or are pros who have a weekly devotional routine in place, the interactive questions, answers, and devotionals in Faith Builder Catechism will help families establish building blocks of faith, one level at a time.

Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of Not a Fan, writes, “Full of rich theology, Faith Builder Catechism makes the foundational truths of Scripture accessible and memorable for families. Thanks to the thoughtful questions, witty prompts, and charming theme, this journey through Scripture and the basic beliefs of the Christian faith is full of life-changing potential.”

Faith Builder Catechism: Devotionals to Level Up Your Family Discipleship
By Kevin Hippolyte, Jared Kennedy, and Trey Kullman
September 25, 2023 / Retail Price: $17.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-290-4
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth

Kevin Hippolyte serves as director of student ministry at Sojourn Church Midtown. He’s also on the board at Hope Collaborative, a trauma-sensitive community development organization serving students, internationals, and neighbors. He lives with his wife, Kelly, and son in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jared Kennedy serves as an editor for The Gospel Coalition and is the cofounder of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He’s the author of Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, God Made Me for Worship, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, and the Beginner’s Gospel Story Book series. He’s also helped to develop two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet. He and his wife, Megan, and their three girls also attend Sojourn Church Midtown.

Trey Kullman served for more than five years as a family pastor and is now managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family. He and his wife, Annie, and their three children also live in Louisville, Kentucky where they attend Sojourn Church J-town.

Together, they host Gospel-Centered Family’s Press Pause podcast. Learn more at gospelcenteredfamily.com, on Facebook (Gospel-Centered Family), X (@GCF_com), and Instagram (@gospelcenteredfamily).

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