WATERLOO, ON – May 30, 2017 – Blessing: Dictionary.com says it’s a special favor, mercy, or benefit (Dictionary.com); and Merriam-Webster says it’s a thing conducive to happiness or welfare (Merriam-Webster). In Canada, blessing is something Graf-Martin Communications (GMC) and Baker Publishing Group (BPG) love doing for Canadian churches. In early 2017, the two companies partnered to launch Blessing Box, an initiative to connect new, valuable Christian books and resources with deserving churches across Canada.
Four times a year, pastors, church staff, and congregation members can nominate their church to receive a Blessing Box valued at over $300 each. Ten churches from across Canada will be chosen as recipients each season, with a grand total value of $12,000 of resources sent to Canadian Churches each year. Each Blessing Box is curated to include Baker Publishing Group’s new and best-of resources that facilitate conversations, and inspire opportunities for enriched congregational community.
With the loss of many Christian bookstores across Canada over the past decade, leaving many communities without a local Christian store, connecting points for churches looking for curriculum and resource recommendations have shifted. Graf-Martin Communications’ President, Ellen Graf-Martin is clear on the purpose of Blessing Box. “Ultimately, our organization exists to resource the Canadian church, as we support Christian content creators. I’m so glad to have found another simple way to make both these pieces of our mission come to life.”
This May & June, churches will have the opportunity to win a Blessing Box specifically curated to support and inspire Women’s Ministry Leaders. This season’s Blessing Box is packed with books and small group Bible study materials from leading female Christian communicators including:
- Holley Gerth, You’re Already Amazing book, DVD and LifeGrowth Guide
- Lisa Bevere, Without Rival
- Susie Larson, Your Powerful Prayers
- Debbie Lindell, She Believes
- Suzanne Eller, Come with Me
- Renee Swope, A Confident Heart
Baker Publishing Group’s Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, Dave Lewis, says, “We are enthusiastic about partnering with Graf-Martin Communications on this new initiative. Baker Publishing Group has chosen to invest deeply in Canada since 2008, and we see this as an excellent new way to connect life-changing resources with churches across the country.”
With topics ranging from prayer and simplicity in a hectic age, to confidence and meaningful friendships, to Christian women in history, the May Blessing Box is sure to inspire and empower Church and ministry leaders across the country as they read and lead. For more information on The Blessing Box and the May current giveaway, visit www.blessingbox.ca .
Founded in 2008, Graf-Martin Communications Inc. is the leading public relations and marketing agency serving Christian audiences across Canada. With decades of combined experience, our expert creative team has earned a reputation for reliably excellent work, and our clients have included the world’s top Christian publishers (Thomas Nelson, Baker Publishing Group, Tyndale House), film companies serving Christian audiences (Sony, eOne, Lionsgate, PureFlix, Elevation Pictures, Mongrel Media) and a number of Canada’s largest Christian charities (World Vision, Compassion Canada, Power to Change, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.)
Baker Publishing Group, who celebrates their 78th anniversary this year, seeks, through its various divisions, “to publish high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of [the Church]”. Their customer base spans most Christian denominations, to which they provide theologically enriching and inspiring Christian fiction and non-fiction resources. They desire to equip and empower the body of Christ to more fully understand the Word of God and its practical application in our world, through the power of knowledge and reading.
Media contact: Tara Hoyte, Graf-Martin Communications
tara@grafmartin.com 519-342-3703 x 105
