Mike joined The Navigators in 2007 with a vision for clarifying the direction of NavPress. His guidance enabled us to carve a distinct niche in the publishing market. In recent years, we have strengthened our resolve to publishing only the highest quality discipleship materials, which has contributed to the success of resources like Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, the Becoming a Woman of… series by Cynthia Heald, and The Message by Eugene Peterson. We’re eager about several upcoming projects, including Danny Gokey’s highly anticipated book, The Hope Before Me.

“I have enjoyed my tenure with The Navigators," Mike says. "I was honored to work with a tremendous team of people who are committed to changing the world through publishing books and materials that resonate with this generation. Pat and I will continue to live out the Navigator calling wherever God leads us to serve."


As our leadership team prayerfully seeks a new president, Senior Vice President of The Navigators, Charlie Dokmo, will serve as interim CEO of NavPress.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy, and a former Army officer, Charlie has served in numerous international leadership positions with World Vision, Opportunity International, and Compassion International.

“I’m excited to come alongside NavPress in exploring all the possibilities God has in store for the future. It’s a privilege to join a driven and focused team like the one we have in NavPress,” Charlie Dokmo says.

In this time of transition, NavPress, Life Bible Studies, and Church Resources & Services remain committed to providing outstanding service to our authors, customers, and partners.

The NavPress team extends our heartfelt gratitude to Mike and his wife, Pat, for their years of dedication and service. We will continue to pray for them as they seek God’s guidance in the coming days. Wherever they go, whatever God calls them to do, they will remain great models of what it means to live and disciple among the lost.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact:

• Charlie Dokmo (charlie.dokmo@navigators.org or 719-594-2247)

• Bill Norman (bill.norman@navigators.org or 719-531-3510)

• Barry Sneed (barry.sneed@navigators.org or 615-618-4399)

Written by the NavPress Team

NAVPRESS SIGNS AMERICAN IDOL STAR DANNY GOKEY

OCTOBER 2013 RELEASE FOR HOPE IN FRONT OF ME

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—In 2009, Danny Gokey burst onto the American Idol stage just four weeks after his wife’s heartrending death. Though rocked by loss, Danny never lost hope as he pursued the life-long dream he had shared with his Sophia. Although many know him from his time on Idol, they don’t know the story of overcoming that led up to it or the path of restoration and healing that followed it. Now, Gokey shares his American Idol experience—and the before and after—in Hope in Front of Me, slated for October 2013 release from NavPress (www.navpress.com), the publishing arm of the Colorado Springs based U.S. Navigators.

“It has been a gratifying process to be able to share the parts of my story that many people may not know. My hope is that people can find a part of their story in mine and that it will inspire hope in others. There ARE new beginnings. You CAN recover after devastating loss. Your past does not have to define you or your future. And the greatest part of my story is that helping others brings healing to you and those you help. NavPress really caught the vision for what I am trying to accomplish and I’m delighted to be working with such a supportive, creative team on this project,” Gokey said.

In Hope in Front of Me, Gokey challenges readers to find purpose in their darkest moments and leave a legacy for others by investing in things that really matter. Filled with personal stories and illustrations, Gokey uses his life experiences to motivate and encourage readers. Hope in Front of Me releases October 2013 in print and digital formats.

NavPress associate trade publisher, Rebekah Guzman, said, “NavPress is honored to partner with Danny on this project. We are encouraged not only by his story of overcoming but also by his passion to help others find hope and encouragement in any life situation. Danny has a heart for people, and our team has been changed by his passion and vision for this message. We know many others will be changed when they read it as well.”

Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans as a top-3 finalist on the eighth season of American Idol. In 2010, Gokey released his debut album, My Best Days, which delivered the best first-week sales by any debut country male in 18 years and included the hits “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” and “I Will Not Say Goodbye.” He is also the founder of Sophia’s Heart Foundation in honor of his late wife. The organization’s goals are to provide hope and help to homeless families, provide scholarships to deserving students, and operate a thriving inner-city music and arts program. Learn more at www.sophiasheart.org.

NavLife Bible Study is your new source for:

Student Life Bible Study

Life Bible Study

Just Like Christ

This new division will give us the opportunity to serve churches and church leaders in much broader ways. Our mission: To resource and equip disciples and disciple-makers for a worldwide discipleship revolution!

Dr. John Herring, President

NavLife Bible Study

We will continue to produce and distribute digital and print discipleship products as we launch NavLife Bible Study and enhance our current great studies.

Barry Sneed, Executive Vice President

NavPress

NavLife Bible Study gives us a strong platform for future disciple-making tools. At NavPress, discipleship is in our DNA. NavLife Bible Study will center on building disciples and equipping them for Life. Join us in the revolution, a discipleship revolution!

Dr. Michael Miller, President

NavPress

The first books scheduled to be translated are Discovering the Bible by Gordon L. Addington, The Pursuit of Holiness and Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges, and The Joseph Road by Jerry White. The translation for these books began in early 2012 and is expected to be completed by June 2012. The books will be translated with cultural adaptations and produced into an audio format to be used with mobile technology to be distributed through the local church network.

“We are grateful for this partnership with NavPress to provide evangelistic and discipleship content to a country that is currently closed to the Gospel,” says David McElwee, Vice President of Far East Broadcasting Company. “We are excited to see how God uses this content to reach listeners who are hungry for spiritual nourishment and enriching material for their Christian walk.”

Author Jerry Bridges was approached in 2011 to consider translation of his books for use in a closed country.

“Our family has been contributing to the ministry of FEBC for about forty years, going back to the days when the only gospel access into China was through radio broadcasts. Now it is exciting to see FEBC’s radio ministry expanding to other countries throughout Asia," he says.

"And now I have an opportunity to partner with FEBC through the translation and audio recording of two of my books. These recordings will be reproduced on digital chips to be played on small battery operated mobile speakers that will be distributed through local churches in the target country. I praise God for the ministry of FEBC and I couldn’t be more thrilled about this opportunity FEBC has given me to partner with them in this new venture,” Bridges added.

Within the country, FEBC will support local church leadership to provide follow-up and further discipleship opportunities for interested individuals. “FEBC considers it a blessing and privilege to partner with NavPress,” says Brother Timothy**, FEBC In-Country Ministry Director. “NavPress has a library of content that provides thoughtful spiritual-growth resources and this type of material is not available within my country. This partnership makes it possible for my people to grow in their faith and share the Good News with their family and friends.”

For additional information regarding this FEBC ministry, contact David McElwee.

*Name of country withheld for security purposes.

**Name has been changed for security purposes.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of investing in the lives of future disciple-makers,” Herring says. “The potential for Kingdom impact through the next generation of disciples and NavPress through Student Life Bible Study is incredible. Couple that with the ongoing influence of Life Bible Study for adults, and the possibilities for discipling are enormous.”

Herring is the Executive Pastor for NorthPark Baptist Church in Trussville, AL, and director of Church Life Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and coaching for churches and parachurch organizations. Prior to starting Church Life Strategies, he served as the Pastor for Discipleship and Administration for the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham where he served for 12 years.

Herring holds a B.A. from Samford University, a M.A. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Educational Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Birmingham, AL.

NavPress acquired Student Life Publishing in 2010.

When Dr. John Bisagno retired from the pastorate, he knew he wanted to coach and mentor young pastors. With his new release, Wisdom for Life, he reaches out to anyone who wants to finish well.

In Wisdom for Life, he encourages believers young and old with practical advice and biblical guidelines to complete whatever God has called them to do.

BIO:

Dr. John Bisagno is pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church of Houston. He is the author of thirty books, including the best seller The Power of Positive Praying. He serves on the adjunct faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and remains active as an author, church consultant, and conference speaker.

Wisdom for Life

ISBN: 9781617471803; $14.99, paperback

Communication in any relationship is vital for it to keep growing and maturing. The same principle is true for having a relationship with God. He created prayer as a personal, intimate way for us to connect with, talk to, and listen to Him.

30 Days to a More Dynamic Prayer Life presents the basics on prayer—such as focusing on God, responding from the heart, and seeking His kingdom. By tying solid biblical teaching on prayer with practical ways to make it a lifestyle habit, author John Franklin equips and challenges readers to develop a prayer life as a means for knowing God better.

BIO

John Franklin is a nationally known speaker on prayer and spiritual awakening. He previously served as a prayer specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources; as minister of prayer at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia; and in two pastorates. He is the author of And the Place Was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting, A House of Prayer: Prayer Ministries in Your Church, and several other books.

30 Days to a More Dynamic Prayer Life

ISBN: 9781615218813; $8.99, paperback

As we travel through life’s struggles and joys, we face new crossroads daily that lead to different destinations. It is helpful to have someone prepare and equip you for what to expect and how to make wise choices.

No matter where you are on your journey, best-selling author Cynthia Heald (Becoming a Woman Of . . . series) wants to guide and mentor you in order to draw you closer to the Father’s heart and keep you on the well-trodden path of past seekers of God. Drawing Near to the Heart of God (formerly A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God) will encourage you to keep your hand in His for your lifetime pilgrimage.
 

Drawing Near to the Heart of God by Cynthia Heald

New Release Announcement

This book is a must-read for serious Christians who want to better understand how Jesus’ work in His life and death applies to the believer in justification and adoption.

Listen to an interview with Jerry on The Janet Mefferd Radio Show.

Watch Jerry explain godliness in this video clip.

$16.99 jacked hardback; ISBN 9781617479229

For interviews, contact publicity@navpress.com

Mark comes to NavPress after nearly twenty years of working with churches and church leaders as Regional Vice President of Rives, Leavell & Company (Jackson, MS), a national provider of financial services to churches and faith-based organizations. He earned a BS in Business Management from Mississippi College (Clinton, MS). Mark and his wife, Jena, live in Mississippi where he is a leader in his church, a gifted Sunday morning Bible study teacher, and a discipler.

“I am thrilled that Mark is bringing his expertise and experience to NavPress. His deep understanding of the local church, his years of consulting experience, and his love for pastors and staffs make Mark an invaluable addition to our team,” says NavPress Executive Vice President Barry Sneed.

“I am delighted to be joining NavPress and look forward to continuing my work withchurch leaders,” says Mark. “More than thirty years as a believer have convinced me that the specific calling of the church to make disciples is also the most difficult area of church life to measure.  What a challenge and pleasure it is to be part of an organization with the stated and singular focus of coming alongside church leaders as they strive to see church members become disciples of Jesus.”

In When I Lay My Isaac Down, Carol tells the story of her son's incarceration for murder and shares the transformational power principles she and Gene learned about forgiveness and faith. Dealing with her anger, grief, and shame, Carol could have given up. Instead she tells a highly personal, heartbreaking, and uplifting story that will bolster your faith.

Greater Texting offers subscriptions of daily messages that are delivered directly to a mobile phone at a time selected by the subscriber. No launching an app or digging through an email inbox is required. Text Message Devotionals are great for anyone who owns a cell phone, but can be especially valuable to teens and young adults who are increasingly devoted to their cell phones and less and less to the Word of God.

"It's very simple,” said Cynthia Bezek, an editor at NavPress. “You go to a website, pick out the topic you'd like to receive prayers, Scriptures, or inspiration about, pay $5, select the time of day you would like your text messages to come, and then for the next 30 or 40 days an inspirational text will come directly to your phone. You can also subscribe to a set of topical text devotionals for a friend, the kids in your youth group, or whomever you know who enjoys texting."

"We are excited to be making valuable Christian discipleship content available utilizing this simple but impactful form of delivery,” said Michael Visentine, COO of NavPress. “Subscribers also get the opportunity to donate 30% of the subscription fee to a church or ministry of their choice, so it also becomes a great way to support a church, school, or other ministry organization, like The Navigators.”

People can browse and subscribe for text message devotionals and find out more at Greater Texting.

“The addition of Steve as our Bookstore Development Manager solidifies a significant position for our future growth within NavPress,” explained NavPress Sales Director Eric Helus. “Steve brings knowledge and skill from more than ten years of buying, selling, and merchandising, as well as account and product development. His role is one of great importance as we continue to see tremendous growth in our connection of The Navigators ministry as a whole and how that has influenced and aligned with our bookstore partners in their mission in delivering biblically based content to their current and future customers.”

Herron has a BBA in marketing from the University of North Alabama. His previous experience includes American Wholesale Book Company, Inspirational Publishers Group, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, and Anderson Merchandisers.

"I’m so honored to be a part of NavPress and support The Navigators’ mission worldwide. God has allowed me to experience so many unique opportunities to serve Him, and I want to pour all of the gifts He has given me into serving our retailers and church bookstores across the country,” said Herron.

In addition to distributing bestsellers such as Hope for Hurting Hearts, What Every Christian Needs to Know, and Married. Happily., NavPress will publish new Bible studies by Laurie beginning in 2012.

“Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples. This is not a request but a command from our Lord,” Laurie said. “My life is committed to doing everything I can to bring the gospel to our generation. As both an evangelist and a pastor, my interest is not only in seeing people come forward to follow Christ, but also to go forward in spiritual maturity. That is why I am so excited to be partnering with an organization that understands the importance of evangelism and discipleship: The Navigators.

“Since 1933, The Navigators have been actively involved in equipping Christians to study and memorize Scripture, as well as share their faith and make disciples. I am confident that, as we partner together, we will help even more people do that in the days ahead,” he added.

Laurie, who founded the evangelistic Harvest Crusade events in 1990, serves as senior pastor of one of the largest churches in the United States, Harvest Christian Fellowship, which has campuses in Riverside and Irvine, CA. During the past 22 years, Harvest Crusades have drawn some 4.3 million people to events in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In addition to speaking and assisting other ministries, Laurie has authored more than 70 books including As I See It, Daily Hope for Hurting Hearts, Christian Dating, Essentials, Run to Win, Upside Down Living, The Greatest Stories Ever Told, and many more.

His autobiography, Lost Boy, was released in June 2008 and continues to be one of the bestselling Christian biographies of all time.

Laurie has written study notes for the bestselling The New Believer's Bible. He also wrote the notes for the recently released Start! Bible in the New King James Version, published by Thomas Nelson. Greg is presently working on a new Bible project called Refresh, which is a devotional Bible.

As host of the television program Knowing God with Greg Laurie and of the syndicated radio program A New Beginning, Laurie has appeared on ABC World News Tonight, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN. He also functions as a guest commentator at Worldnetdaily.com, and appears regularly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).  Laurie also serves on the board of directors for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“We are thrilled to partner with Greg Laurie in this way,” said Mike Miller, president of NavPress. “Greg has impacted millions of people around the world with his speaking and his writing. It is a joy and an honor for NavPress to be a partner in reaching more people with Greg’s resources. We anticipate many more lives changed through his messages for years to come.”

For more information about Greg Laurie, visit his homepage at www.greglaurie.com or his ministry website, www.harvest.org. To find out more on Allen David books, visit www.allendavidbooks.com.

In response to these statistics and to a culture that is increasingly anti-Christian, NavPress in conjunction with Student Life and Compassion Intl. is launching MORF, a free quarterly magazine on spiritual transformation written for student pastors, parents, and youth workers. MORF will be available on Monday, September 26. 

NavPress wondered what could happen if teens embraced the ideas in Radical and understood their biblical basis. Would their parents’ lives be impacted? Would schools and churches look different? And how would these teens live the rest of their lives?

Radical for Teens: The Bible Study (NavPress, July 2011) is written specifically to help students see how the revolutionary things Jesus said 2,000 years ago—such as denying ourselves, giving up everything, and loving Him above all else—still apply to Christians today.

But what makes this eight-lesson study unique is that it is subscription based, which allows a study leader to access lessons anywhere, at anytime. The cost is based on the number of students and includes everything a teacher needs for lesson preparation: commentaries, teaching plans, activities, downloads, discussion questions, and more.

“NavPress is proud to be able to offer Radical for Teens: The Bible Study,” says NavPress Executive Vice President Barry Sneed. “This generation of students has a deep desire to do more than attend youth group—they want to affect their communities and world. This Bible study is a catalyst for them to do something radical in their lives.”

For more information or to try Radical for Teens: The Bible Study for free, visit www.radicalforteens.com.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110712/SF33881)

Eugene H. Peterson, the author for The Message, was pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church when he translated several parts of the New Testament and Psalms for his congregation from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. These translations caught the attention of an editor from NavPress who proposed to Eugene the idea of translating the whole Bible into contemporary American vernacular. Reviewed by a team of exegetical consultants who examined the text to ensure a genuine communication of the original Greek and Hebrew, The Message New Testament was released in June 1993. By September of 1994, The Message had sold over 2 million copies, signifying the marketplace need for the full Bible which was released July 15, 2002.

"The Message is so well liked because of its readability," states NavPress Bible Publisher Jill Johnson. "It is written in the style and language that you would use to write an email to a friend making it easy to read and bringing a new perspective to passages that have been read hundreds of times." Jill also adds that The Message makes an excellent companion Bible and is not designed to replace a reader's current version of choice or traditional Study Bible. "When paired with a favorite study Bible, The Message offers deeper understanding to passages that are hard to understand."

NavPress is celebrating The Message's 10th anniversary for one full year with several new products, including a special limited-time edition of the full Message Bible that released July 15, 2011. Designed as a reading Bible, with no distracting verse numbers or formal language, the 10th anniversary editions are bringing back the non-numbered original format, set in a single column that made it first unique to the marketplace.

Often described as a "para-translation," Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message makes a great tool for discipleship or evangelism. Eugene H. Peterson, who earned his B.A. in philosophy from Seattle Pacific University, his S.T.B. from New York Theological Seminary, and his M.A. in Semitic languages from Johns Hopkins University, works exclusively from the original languages, telling the miraculous, tragic, and triumphant true stories of the biblical past in a way that makes them come uniquely alive in the present; it will be like reading them for the first time.

For More Information or for an Interview,
Contact: Scott Spiewak, #425-245-3856, sspiewak@freshimpactpr.com

In presenting the award at this month's 2011 Golden Scroll Award ceremony, AWSA founder Linda Evans Shepherd said, “Becky is both an abuse and cancer survivor. She inspires audiences, readers as well as our own prayer team to spend time daily praising God.”

Becky’s life experience as a pastor’s wife, mother of four, women’s ministry director, and survivor of both childhood sexual abuse and breast cancer all bring depth and realism to her message. She creatively combines biblical insight with her powerful testimony and the stories of other women who have found hope and healing in Christ.

Becky's books include Finding Calm in Life's Chaos and Rewriting Your Emotional Script. Her most recent book with NavPress, Freedom from Performing, released in May 2011.

The AWSA is a professional support group made up of the top 10 percent of Christian women in both publishing and speaking. The 2011 Golden Scroll Awards were presented on Sunday, July 10, at the Omni at CNN Center in Atlanta.

In Trapped, the main character is caught in a sticky situation after cheating at school. Those who entered the contest submitted ideas for the character's name, hobbies, family life, job, and more.

Melody selected Susan's submission from a field of 72 valid entries.

“I liked that she had GraceAnn, the main character, have an elderly friend named Miss Julia. I like writing about older people and thought it would be an interesting relationship to develop,” Melody explains. “Some elements, such as GraceAnn working Saturdays in a pharmacy,have lent some interesting developments in the plot that I hadn't considered.”

Susan will also receive a library of Melody Carlson TH1NK books (a $275 value).

Trapped: Caught in a Lie releases in April 2012.

Finalists will be honored at the AWSA Golden Scrolls Awards Banquet, Sunday, July 10, at the Omni at CNN Center in Atlanta.

AWSA, an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries, consists of over 300 top ICRS women authors who both publish and speak nationally.

In Trapped, the main character finds herself caught in a sticky situation after cheating in school. Contestants can help mold this character's identity by submitting ideas for her name, hobbies, activities, job, what her family life is like, who her friends are, and the types of people she interacts with.

"We're extremely excited for our TH1NK readers to be able to participate in the creation of one of Melody Carlson’s novels," says editor Meg Wallin. "This contest is such a fun way to be part of the new 'Secrets' series. Melody and the TH1NK team are looking forward to meeting the main character of Trapped: Caught in a Lie."

The winner also will receive a library of Melody Carlson TH1NK books (a $275 value), including all the books in 'TrueColors,' 'Secrets,' and 'by design' series.

All entries will be screened by NavPress, then forwarded to Carlson, who will select the winner. Melody will use some or all of the winning characteristics. The contest is open until midnight on May 22, 2011. For more information, visit www.NavPress.com/CharacterContest.

The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports.

"We are thrilled to be a part of what the National Breast Cancer Foundation is doing to change the lives of women and families," says Jill Johnson, NavPress Bible Publisher. "The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition] is changing lives both spiritually and physically, and we are thankful for that."

The pink-and-white devotional Bible was developed to encourage and support cancer patients and their families.

As a CBA exclusive, NavPress also created the "Message of Hope" program through which Christian retail customers could write a note of support to a cancer patient on a blank bookplate. Retailers sent the bookplates to NavPress, which placed them in copies of The Message of Hope, a booklet that features portions of The Message. The booklets were distributed to patients currently fighting cancer.

According to Johnson, NavPress will continue donating to the NBCF.

The J. I. Packer Classic Collection is the second release in the NavPress Devotional Reader series. The series launched in 2008 with Holiness Day-by-Day by Jerry Bridges, which went on to win an ECPA Book of the Year award. How Great Is Our God, the newest addition to the series, releases this September. It is a collection of devotions and writings by such great Christian thinkers as A. W. Tozer, Charles Colson, and Billy Graham on God.

"NavPress continues its tradition of providing enriching daily devotional readers that challenge serious disciples of Christ to know and experience God on a deeper level," says NavPress President Mike Miller.

The Christian Retailers Choice Awards will be presented at Retailing ReBoot 2011 Christian Retail Show, April 26-28, 2011, in Orlando, Florida.

Bell's Money and Marriage released in both book and digital formats on March 15 and quickly reached the top 20 on three Amazon bestseller lists: Christian Stewardship, Money & Values, and Christian Business.

"There clearly is a need for Matt Bell's timely financial messages," says NavPress President Mike Miller. "He offers a fresh perspective on what the Bible has to say about money and priorities, and people are eager to receive it."

In Money and Marriage, Matt encourages couples to learn to use money in a way that minimizes disputes, contributes to marital happiness, and gives each partner a deep sense of joy and satisfaction. The new release has received national media attention with Matt doing recent interviews on UNI News, Chris Fabry Live, Campus Crusade Radio, and for articles in the Chicago Tribune, Woman's Day, and AOL's Daily Finance.

In addition to Money and Marriage's popularity, on March 17 Bell's first book, Money, Purpose, Joy, soared to No. 1 on three Amazon bestseller lists: Christian Stewardship, Stewardship, and Money & Values.

"As we continue to understand how digital and print books work together, we are excited to see our collaborative efforts getting Matt's important message to readers of both format," says NavPress Sales Director Eric Helus. "We are committed to serving our customers by providing our books in the format they prefer."

“TH1NK has laid a solid foundation over the last several years, and consumers have come to recognize and expect thought-provoking resources from us for this audience. Offering honest, relevant resources is essential for our growth and success,” says NavPress Editorial Director Rebekah Guzman.

Addressing difficult topics in the context of a well-told story isn’t new for NavPress. TH1NK launched in 2003 with best-selling author Melody Carlson’s "TrueColors" series for teen girls, which tackled issues such as eating disorders, self-injury, suicide, and sexuality.

TH1NK continues to talk about the real problems teens face. In 2010 NavPress released Forgotten, the first book in Carlson’s "Secrets" novels. This series, too, honestly confronts harsh realities, in this case homelessness. Shattered (April 2011), the second book in the series, deals with deep feelings of hurt and regret.

“Teens don’t want to be told what to do. They want to figure it out on their own. The Christian YA audience is highly influenced by peers, media, and culture. We win their hearts by taking them—their faith, their friends, their lives—seriously,” says Guzman.

TH1NK isn’t just about great fiction. The Grad’s Guide to Surviving Stressful Times (March 2011) is a graduation gift book for students heading off to college that offers inspiration and advice for dealing with stress in a positive way.

Releasing May 2011, An Expose on Teen Sex and Dating by Andy Braner is a resource aimed at parents and youth leaders on what’s really going on with teens and sex and how to talk about it with them. Interviews, statistics, and action steps will help equip readers to start this important conversation with the young adults in their lives.

Guzman believes TH1NK will continue to grow and have an impact on the YA audience. “The rewards of reaching teens and young adults are endless. Knowing they got the message of the book and seeing that life transformation is priceless.”

Sponsored by NavPress and The Message, along with The Munce Group and Munce Group member stores in conjunction with MTL Magazine, “The Message Season of Giving” was a nationwide campaign to encourage individuals to nominate a needy person, family, or church to receive an extra blessing at Christmastime by sharing the nominee's story and why the nominee deserved to win. The contest was promoted in stores and online. More than 200 nominations were received.

NavPress contributed a portion of the proceeds from Message products sold through Munce Group member stores to the Season of Giving Fund, which was used to award contest winners’ prizes. Shortly before Christmas, NavPress staffers traveled to surprise the winners with customized prize packages.

"Being there in person to present gifts to all the winners, who were unaware of what was happening, was more humbling to us than I think it was to them," says NavPress Sales Director Eric Helus. "We’d like to thank The Munce Group and their stores for participating in this with us as it was one of the most rewarding outreach projects we’ve been a part of at NavPress. Although we were able to provide a small number of gifts, we were reminded, and shared with the winners, of what it says in Philippians 4:19 (from The Message): 'You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.' We look forward to doing this again for years to come!"

Ms. Crist received food, clothing, toys for her grandchildren, Message Bibles, and other NavPress products.

Todd Murray and family received help with their living expenses, clothing, food, toys, and home improvement products. They were also given Message Bibles and NavPress products.

Floodwood Assembly of God Church received Message Bibles and NavPress products as well contributions to physical improvements at the church.

“We are very encouraged to have the opporunity to help individuals and churches with their discipleship needs,” says NavPress Executive Vice President Barry Sneed.

"We're excited about our new relationship with NavPress as our strategic discipleship partner," says Phil Miller, director of the convention's Bible Study/Discipleship Team. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Texas Baptists to have access to some of the best discipleship resources available anywhere. This partnership will provide our churches new access to the best of the best in discipleship resources that have made NavPress and The Navigators so well known around the world in the area of disciplemaking. And it opens the door to the wonderful new resources NavPress is creating in its Discipleship Inside Out emphasis."

To help meet these needs, NavPress has developed the Discipleship Network (www.discipleshipnetwork.org), an online community where people could who are passionate about discipleship can connect, communicate, and learn from one another. In the beta phase more than 850 people joined; members now total more than 1,770.

“The network is a place for people to find support and resources, share thoughts and biblical insights, and ask questions,” says network moderator Dr. Margie Williamson. “The most fun thing for me is watching where members are coming from across the world,” she says. Countries represented on the site include Zambia, Cambodia, Poland, and Northern Ireland.

Churches, too, are encouraged to join. “I would love for churches to share information about how they are building disciples,” says NavPress Director of Church and Denomination Relations Marsha Pursley.

The August 2010 survey was sent to subscribers of Discipleship Journal Online Newsletter and to buyers of NavPress discipleship products. It asked what areas of discipleship did respondents want to grow in the most.

A great ministry resource, this software allows pastors, small-group leaders, and Bible study leaders to take individual lessons and create effective and deep studies that promote meaningful conversation.

“Through his writings, Jerry Bridges has been a mentor to Christians who desire to grow in their relationship with Christ as well as to develop the ability to disciple others. I’m excited about the opportunity to expand his influence to as many people as possible by making his writing available for use in Wordsearch,” says Mike Linder, NavPress associate publisher.

One key to the both the book and the church’s popularity is their specific focus. Real-Life Discipleship and its companion Discipleship Training Manual offer proven tools and strategies for strengthening small groups and creating disciples.

“Real-Life Discipleship is answering a real need in the church today for creating environments of discipleship through relational disciple-making small groups helping believers grow in their faith from the inside out,” says NavPress Executive Vice President Barry Sneed.

Real-Life Ministries, with its home base in Post Falls, ID, features a community of relational, disciple-making small groups that, like all of the church’s activities, revolve around four purposes:

• Sharing Christ with a dying world, making disciples of all nations (1 Peter 2:9)
• Connecting disciples into a leader-directed small group (2 Tim. 2:2)
• Training disciples to minister in the church and in the world (Eph. 4:11-12)
• Releasing those who have been developed to disciple others (Mt. 28:19)

Churches across the country have taken note of this successful model and its community impact. To accommodate the many requests it receives from church leaders who want to know what RLM is doing and how to replicate it, The Real Life Association now hosts high-touch, experiential “Immersion” conferences and church planter boot camps.

“My vision is to see biblical small groups within walking distance of every person on the planet,” says Howerton.

“Rick is a catalyst across this nation for small groups. His passion and calling is to see people experience biblical community in their lives,” says NavPress Executive Vice President Barry Sneed. “As the national small group strategist for NavPress, Rick will provide tremendous leadership for small group pastors and churches.”

An experienced ministry veteran, Howerton, has degrees from Campbellsville University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent 10 years involved with college ministry; in 2003, he planted The Bridge, a church centered on small groups. Howerton served as Associate Teaching Pastor and Small Groups Pastor at Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green, KY, for seven years and spent 10 years at Lifeway Church Resources as a Small Group-ologist/Specialist.

He is the author of Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual (Lifeway).

The Angels in Adoption™ program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.

“The Angels in Adoption program is unlike any other program in the Nation’s Capitol. Because of it, over 1600 'Angels' have come to share with Washington their adoption experience and left with a renewed excitement of all that adoption makes possible,” said Kathleen Strottman. “I learned one simple lesson from my time on the hill, knowledge is power. Angels in Adoption is meant to give Members of Congress the knowledge they need to use the power they have toward making the dream of a family a reality for every child.”

Eldridge wrote Questions Adoptees Are Asking and is an in-demand speaker.

The CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the orphans and foster children in the United States and around the world. It was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.

Both interdenominational ministries have similar purposes in discipleship, spiritual formation, and helping people develop a vital relationship with Christ.

“This strategic alliance is an important step for NavPress as we intentionally focus on serving the church with resources designed to help individuals be transformed from the inside out,” says NavPress President Mike Miller.

“Connecting with NavPress helps expand our ministry many ways,” says Student Life President Randy Hall. “We are already benefiting from their vast experience in publishing resources for discipleship. We look forward to reaching more people as we blend our efforts.”

This strategic alliance allows for NavPress products to be available for purchase through the Student Life online delivery system, for which NavPress eventually will become the administrator. Select Student Life products will be sold on the NavPress website. Nothing will change in the product lines Student Life customers currently use or to Student Life Events, which Student Life will continue operating.

Both ministries are committed to excellent customer service and to expanding the offerings of Student Life.

Student Life’s focus is to help people know Christ through His Word. Over 60,000 students and youth leaders attend Student Life Summer Camps yearly. Student Life is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

People are encouraged to go to the site to find out more about this nationwide campaign and to submit a nomination by simply sharing their nominee's story and why this nominee deserves to win.

“Nominations are already coming in,” says NavPress Sales Director Eric Helus. "We're excited that communities across the country are rallying around their neighbors and churches who need a helping hand. NavPress is humbled to be able to show God's love in meaningful ways to those in need this Christmas."

In addition, NavPress will contribute a portion of the proceeds from every Message* product sold through Munce Group member stores to the Season of Giving Fund, which will be used to award contest winners’ prizes (two individuals and two churches).

Online nominations will be accepted through Nov. 15. A total of four winners will be chosen by NavPress and notified by Dec. 10.

The contest is receiving in-store promotion through bag stuffers and shelftalkers. NavPress is promoting “The Message Season of Giving” in its enewsletters, on its site, and at www.theseasonofgiving.com.

The Message is a best-selling paraphrase in the market today with over 15 million units sold and comes highly recommended by contemporaries. Author Max Lucado said, "Seems like forever since I've picked up a Bible that made the stories so fresh and new. My name is on that long list of folks who love to read The Message. What a friend this Bible has become."

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to submit a nomination or to win this contest.

* Excluding The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition]

Read more and watch videos.

Leading from the Sandbox takes a fresh approach to church leadership by focusing on developing high-impact teams. This how-to manual guides church leaders to create an atmosphere of fun and creativity in their ministry.

The Mission Exchange, formerly known as EFMA, works to facilitate relational and developmental initiatives that increase the effectiveness of the Great Commission community.

Watch the video announcement of the awards.

“The Message Season of Giving” is a nationwide campaign to encourage individuals to nominate a needy person, family, or church by sharing the story of the nominee and why this nominee deserves to win. Nominations will be accepted at www.theseasonofgiving.com, which launches Sept. 15.

In addition, NavPress will contribute a portion of the proceeds from every Message* product sold through MTL stores to the Season of Giving Fund, which will be used to award contest winners’ prizes.

“We were inspired by Philippians 4:19: ‘You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus,’” explains NavPress Sales Director Eric Helus.

A total of four winners will be chosen by NavPress and notified by Dec. 10.

The contest will receive in-store promotion through bag stuffers and shelftalkers. NavPress is promoting “The Message Season of Giving” in its enewsletters, at www.navpress.com, and at www.theseasonofgiving.com.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest.

* Excluding The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition]

"I've turned seventy this year, and a whole new experience has been happening to me that is far and above everything I have ever done!" says Dr. Smalley. "I've been learning how to help people improve their lives, marriages, and families through Scripture memory. But more importantly, I see my own family and my grandkids understanding and applying it. That's what thrills me the most."

Dr. Smalley, president and founder of The Smalley Relationship Center and one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family and marriage, is focusing his attention on Scripture memory and the life-changing effect it can have on children and family relationships.

“Avery leaves a rich legacy in discipleship and sharing the Gospel around the world,” says Mike Miller, President of NavPress and Sr. Vice President of The Navigators. “We are privileged to have worked with him on so many wonderful resources to help Christians grow in their relationship with God. He will be greatly missed.”

Author Melody Carlson is passionate about writing about the challenges and struggles young adults face, and her readers have responded by making her one of the Christian products industry’s leading novelists. Her books have been finalists and winners of various writing awards, including The Gold Medallion, The Christy, and The Rita Award.

Carlson’s TrueColors series, which focuses on hard-hitting issues such as suicide, addiction, and cutting, continues to top NavPress’ bestsellers list with more than 350,000 copies sold. Carlson’s edgy, new Secrets series promises to follow in TrueColor’s footsteps.

Secrets is a fiction series that delves into the lives of teens whose secrets can make or break them. These realistic books offer readers hope by helping them discover that solid faith, loyal friends, and a persistent spirit will see them through rough times.

“All teens have secrets—many are happy secrets, but some are not,” explains Carlson. “My hope is that my new series will help readers to realize that undisclosed heartbreaks are best healed when brought into the

In Forgotten, the first book in the Secrets series, teenager Adele is forced to grow up quickly when she becomes homeless and tries to conceal it from her classmates. It releases Aug. 1.

Find out more about it.

Based on the popular Topical Memory System (TMS) developed by The Navigators, VerseMinder Topical Memory System marks a first-of-its-kind development for NavPress. With 60 verses in the NIV, NASB, KJV, and NKJV versions, all organized by topics, this app helps users memorize Bible verses in the translation of their choice and at their own pace.

“NavPress is excited to make our Scripture memory system available for a mobile device.  We believe in the truth and sufficiency of Scripture for the whole of life and are committed to translating that belief into new tools in this digital age,” says Michael Visentine, NavPress COO.  “We are currently looking into additional mobile platforms and plan on launching more apps in the future.”

VerseMinder Topical Memory System is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and doesn’t need an Internet connection. It requires .5 MB and iOS 3.0 or later.

It retails for $3.99 at iTunes.

“I’ve now read it twice and found it equally compelling both times. It’s a challenging, disarming, and delightful book, and the vision behind it is a serious one. It’s a remarkable book,” says Dr. Williams.

This significant endorsement carries great weight in the Episcopal Church and has sparked a renewed interest in Chasing Francis, which is a creative and compelling hybrid of fiction, theology, and historical biography. The first book by musician Ian Morgan Cron, Chasing Francis masterfully weaves actual accounts of St. Francis' radical impact on the world into the fictional story of a New England minister on a pilgrimage to regain his faith.

Listen to Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams’ address at the “Fresh Expression: Changing the Landscape” conference in which he summarizes the plot of Chasing Francis; discusses the five principles the book emphasizes for the church: transcendence, community, beauty, dignity, and meaning; and explains why he is recommending it. (Begin at minute mark 23:00.)

Many books on PPD recently have entered the marketplace, but Jerusha's Living Beyond Postpartum Depression: Help and Hope for the Hurting Mom and Those Around Her is unique because it also is written for the friends and family of someone with a PPD condition.

“I decided to address not just the mother struggling with PPD, but also those surrounding her for two primary and interconnected reasons,” Jerusha explains. “First, it’s nearly impossible for a woman in the throes of a postpartum depression to read about her condition. Frankly, I couldn’t read anything during my battle, even Scripture, which heaped a painful weight of guilt on me.

“Secondly, the family, friends, pastors, and clinicians surrounding moms fighting against PPD are often every bit as impacted as the strugglers, though in unique and sometimes confusing ways. That’s why various chapters within the book explore how postpartum conditions—not just PPD, but all of the various manifestations of postnatal disorders—effect individuals walking alongside those who suffer.”

Jerusha is the guest on Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast June 22-23, speaking on “Wedded Bliss: Fact or Fiction?” Her 2009 NavPress release, When I Get Married…, addresses common misconceptions about marriage.

Tom comes to NavPress from Word Distribution where he served for 11 years. He also has more than 19 years of experience working in and with the Christian retail industry.

"We are thrilled to have Tom join NavPress,” says Julie Langmade, NavPress director of marketing. “His background in retail sales and his attention to detail will be a great enhancement to our current marketing team."

Helus came to NavPress in September 2002 as a CBA/international sales rep and was a key part in developing and implementing the ABA channel strategy over the next four years. In 2006 he became the Trade Sales Manager, managing both the CBA and ABA trade business.

“We are excited to welcome Eric in his new role as sales director. He is an exceptional sales professional with a proven track record in the retail book market. With Eric’s help, we hope to boost the growth of our business, with specific focus in the area of discipleship. Eric brings a wealth of talent and expertise that will serve our customers well,” says Michael Visentine, COO of NavPress.

Burdened by these statistics, author Laura L. Smith wants her latest novel, Hot (May 2010), to encourage teenagers to remain abstinent.

"After they read Hot, I hope teens will look at sex through a different lens than the one the media bombards them with," she explains. "The truth is, outside of marriage, sex can be scary, harmful, and disruptive. It can lower your self-esteem, ruin your reputation, and confuse the daylights out of anyone. My prayer is that teens can find many reasons in Hot why they should wait. I also pray that it gives people who have regrets the hope that God loves them no matter what."

Both staying pure and God's grace are topics close to Laura's heart.

"The idea for Hot came from inside my greatest nightmares," she says. "As a teenager, I made some poor choices. I've had a very difficult time letting go of some of the things I did. I've struggled with forgiving myself, even though God already has.

"In the midst of a period of deep concern over this issue, I heard a sermon on intimacy. Mixed with the guilt I had been carrying around, this sermon tugged at my heart. If I was suffering with my past, then others had to be affected by theirs, too. I felt if I could help one girl remain pure or help one person who made a mistake find peace with God, then it would be worth it to write Lindsey’s story."

In Hot, Lindsey's tumultuous family situation leaves her craving attention and appreciation, so she turns to her new boyfriend. What does Laura think teens like Lindsey can do to resist the pressures to have sex?

"As Christians, we know in our hearts that God created us to stay pure until marriage. We know He designed marriage as a holy matrimony, but TV shows, magazines, movies, and songs sensationalize steamy hook ups. So, my advice for teens and their parents is to stay as close to Christ as possible. By filling ourselves with His Word, hanging out with other Christians, reading Christian novels, and attending prayer and worship services, God helps us to see Him and His path for us more clearly."

To encourage young adults to think through the important issues raised in Hot, NavPress is offering a free discussion guide available for download.

Laura's other books are also centered on real-life issues teens regularly face: Angry (releasing September 2010) is about a teenager whose parents are divorcing; Skinny deals with body image and eating disorders.

“The Pray! Network is a state-of-the-art ministry networking site that brings a diverse group of people together for the common purpose of deepening their relationship with God through prayer,” says site moderator Phil Miglioratti.

Participants interact through forums and blogs, inform and invite one another to events, and connect through affinity groups, such as Prayer @ NBC and Japan: Sanbi, Inori. They also communicate with photos and video clips that can be used in personal and corporate prayer settings and offer practical applications and resources related to prayer. Site members include pastors, prayer leaders, intercessors, and church members who are interested in prayer.

“We’re very happy with the rapid growth of the Pray! Network and the interest being demonstrated in prayer,” says NavPress President Mike Miller. “Our hope is that people worldwide will share insights and resources, make new friendships, and encourage one another in prayer.”

"That led to our long-time prayer partnership. We have seen God move mountains and, literally, 'the hearts of kings.' Those big and small miracles have bound our hearts even closer," Wilson explains. "Delightfully, our husbands are best of friends as well."

Trusting in His Goodness, the duo's latest book, is the result of this close-knit relationship and a unique writing process.

"We decided a long time ago that if we can't write in the middle of life, it wouldn't be authentic. There is vitality in material that has been processed through real life. We've spent many happy days with me working on the computer at the kitchen table while Mimi cooks, prays, and dictates," says Cook Volkhardt, whose passion is to encourage women to find out who God is and what difference He can make in their daily life. "Other times we make early-morning phone appointments and work several hours, both still in our pajamas with our Bibles, computers, and cups of coffee. We've also written into the wee hours of the morning curled up against the dryer in a friend's laundry room."

In an effort to block out surrounding noises, the women often use a white-noise machine. "We ask each other, 'Where would you like to go today?' Then we choose the ocean waves, a tropical rain, or a rushing stream to accompany us while we work," Wilson says.

But during much of the writing process, Wilson and Cook Volkhardt actually have been on separate continents. With poor communication and unreliable Internet connections, they have had to say, "Over!" to let the other know that she could talk.

When it comes to the actual writing of the book, they have established well-defined roles. "The material comes out of both of our lives and experiences. We depend heavily on Mimi's gift for insightful illustrations and my English Lit history for the writing part," says Cook Volkhardt. "We both have editing and veto power, although there has never been a point of disagreement."

Wilson, who says nothing has influenced her more personally than the study of God's goodness, says that she and her writing partner agree that they don't write to learn; they learn and then write.

"That's why we haven't written many books. Everything we write has to first be 'squeezed' through the fabric of our own lives," Wilson says. "We share what we are learning with each other and process our growing understanding along with the illustrations and examples God brings across our paths. Once it has become a part of who we are, we teach it to others (one-on-one and in groups) and learn from their responses to the principles. Only then do we write.

"Trusting in His Goodness represents ten years of that process in each of us."

Author Bill Hull writes, blogs, and speaks about discipleship, encouraging the church to reconsider what it means to be a Christian and to live a life of uncomplicated obedience to Jesus. One of his main focuses is how today’s church approaches discipleship.

“The most common paradigm is for churches to treat discipleship as of secondary importance, a needed activity that takes place somewhere in the bowels of the church’s infrastructure,” he says. “The reason for this is that discipleship is a needful process for new Christians, and it can be accomplished through laypeople. The leaders of congregations look for some good material or curriculum and in a few months, the work is done.

“A less common approach is to take it seriously and to extend the process into normal life. This is usually done in small groups and, in some cases, through one-on-one appointments. It is better than nothing, but it fails to address the most important issues of the Christian experience.

“The least-done but most-effective approach is for church leadership to become disciples themselves, to be the embodiment of Christlikeness, and to intentionally develop an apprenticeship system where they are schooling the next generation and even the generation after that,” Hull says. “This will require a serious realignment of what the church believes to be important. It actually starts with how you define the Gospel. Only when discipleship becomes a natural part of the Gospel, will it take its place at the center of all spiritual life.”

In Christlike, Hull examines the true basis for spiritual growth that, according to spiritual transformation leader Dallas Willard, is “nothing less than the settled and intelligent resolve to become Christlike.” Church leadership can benefit, too, from this book’s lessons.

“It’s more important to be a disciple than to have a plan to make disciples. And we are called to be disciples and make disciples before we are called to create churches and run them,” he explains.

“As C. S. Lewis said: ‘The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose.’”

A diverse group of more than 100 pastors and leaders, including LeadershipJournal.net’s contributing editors, selected five winners in both the "Leader's Outer Life" and "Leader's Inner Life" categories. A Praying Life was chosen as a top book in the "Leader's Inner Life" category.

In A Praying Life, Miller honestly examines the challenges of prayer and shares his insights on how to connect the broken pieces of life and allow prayer—even poorly delivered—to fill the gaps with meaning and substance.

Two NavPress books were featured in the Media section of the January/February 2010 issue of Outreach magazine. Christlike by Bill Hull helps readers grow intentionally in obedience to Jesus so that our minds and hearts are in alignment with each other; Live Like You Mean It by T. J. Addington shows readers their true significance in living out the incredible work of God’s kingdom.

According to the Barna Group, 78% of the twentysomething generation claim to be Christian, resulting in more than 29 million twentysomethings in need of a guide to connect them to Jesus. Barna research also stated that if a twentysomething “cannot find a local church that will help them become more like Christ, then they will find people and groups that will, and connect with them instead of a local church.”

Writer, speaker, and blogger Johnson connects with her readers in a challenging and genuine way. Preview the blog tour schedule.

While The Navigators does not have staff or active ministry programs in Haiti, we are deeply concerned about how to provide tangible emergency relief to the people of Haiti as well as long-term assistance.

The Navigators urges its employees, donors, and friends to make financial contributions to Compassion International, a fellow non-profit organization headquartered in Colorado Springs. Compassion International has a deep and historic outreach in Haiti that currently serves 65,000 Haitian children in poverty. Compassion has been operating in Haiti for more than 40 years. They have 75 staff in Haiti that work through 237 child development centers. Compassion is well poised to provide immediate emergency assistance, and they are committed to continuing long-term solutions that will outlast the important global interest and media attention created by the earthquake.

The Navigators' staff is made up of citizens from many countries and nationalities. We are joining together to make financial contributions to Compassion International and other organizations that are well equipped to provide Haiti disaster relief for both immediate and long-term needs.

The Navigators shares in the sorrow and grief of the Haitian people. We also offer our prayers and financial assistance. Compassion maintains a blog to provide up-to-date information on relief efforts. We encourage you to read and pray.

We endorse Compassion’s efforts and credentials in Haiti. We urge all concerned people to join the Navigator family in funding Compassion’s disaster relief efforts with generous gifts.

Mike Treneer, International President

Doug Nuenke, U.S. President

“I shouldn’t have survived that hospital stay,” he recalls. “I believe it was the thousands of people who prayed that are responsible for my miraculous recovery.”

In the wake of this traumatic health crisis Addington realized in a new and fresh way that every day is a gift of grace from God. In June 2008 he started writing Live Like You Mean It to encourage others not to take life and the opportunity to impact the world for Christ for granted.

Live Like You Mean It is based on Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV). By asking 10 vital questions, Addington walks readers through a process to discover how God has wired them and how He wants to use them in significant ways for His kingdom.

“The questions start with the most important one of all: ‘Why am I here?’ and follow a logical sequence designed to help us understand the part that God wants us to uniquely play,” Addington explains. “I believe that these are the most important questions that any of us could ask if we are going to fulfill God’s destiny for our lives, leave a lasting legacy, impact others, follow Him closely, and live intentionally.”

Addington hopes that what he learned through nearly dying will help others not just go through the motions of life.

“Too many of us are hostage to others’ expectations and plans rather than living out of the strengths God created us with,” he says. “I want to free people to live out God’s design for them, which is where we find our greatest joy and satisfaction. When we choose to live at the intersection of God’s call on our lives and join Him in His work, we are no longer sleepwalking through life.”

"This is a fantastic response at an incredible opportunity for the independent retailer," says Eric Helus, NavPress Sales Manager. "We are blessed to be able to offer such a program that helps get life-changing product into the hands of our trade partners. We know the authors of the books included in this program have had an impact on many lives through their writings, and we're excited that many new readers will be exposed to the transforming power of the Gospel."

Beginning in January and continuing every other month through December 2010, independent Christian stores can purchase that month's preselected title at a reduced price. Every book in the program is a NavPress top seller by a well-known author.

The lineup includes The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (January), Living the Resurrection by Eugene H. Peterson (March), Becoming a Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Heald (May), Dark Blue by Melody Carlson (July), Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow (September), and Abba's Child by Brennan Manning (December).

"I'm humbled to find my book honored in this way," said Nappa.

In 2009, the Assemblies of God selected The Intentional Woman by Carol Travilla and Joan C. Webb (also NavPress) for its Theme Bible Study of the Year.

"We are very excited about the number of people we have been able to reach and the lives we have been able to impact both spiritually and physically with the Solo [Pink Edition]. We are looking forward to continuing this program into 2010," says Jill Johnson, NavPress Director of The Message and Bible Development.

NavPress is donating a portion of the proceeds from every sale of The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition] to breast cancer prevention and education. In addition, NavPress has created www.solopinkedition.com, a site dedicated to supporting and encouraging people dealing with breast cancer. The site offers videos, ecards, and space to record personal stories.

To help increase Solo [Pink Edition]'s effectiveness, NavPress is partnering with CBA (formerly the Christian Booksellers Association) in a Christian retail channel exclusive and with Dave Dravecky's Outreach of Hope on a Scripture ministry distribution.

Guzman has been at NavPress for three years and has worked as an editor for almost 10 years, specializing in student and women’s resources, including Bible studies, young adult fiction, and curriculum.

Guzman will work directly with the trade and direct publishers on diversifying NavPress’ trade and direct lists, and determining which titles to acquire and develop. “NavPress is looking for content that is biblical, relevant, and practical,” Guzman said. “Our mission is to help people connect relationally with Jesus and live as His followers in their spheres of influence. We look forward to publishing more life-changing resources in the future.”

Becoming a Woman of Grace by Navigator author and best-selling author Cynthia Heald guides women into an exploration of the riches of God’s grace and the ways it transforms lives. Discover the wonder of walking in God’s grace minute by minute, day by day, in this Bible study. Available Nov. 13.
 

The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges clarifies the difference between your role and God’s role in your spiritual formation. This book will show you how to rest in Christ while pursuing a life of holiness.
 

 
Every Thought Captive by Jerusha Clark looks at the unique nature of the female mind. Drawing from personal experiences, including struggles with depression, best-selling author Jerusha Clark shares the freedom that comes from shifting our thoughts from the here and now to the eternal.
 

 
Miss Match by Erynn Mangum is a fun read that deals with love, relationships, and coffee. Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking. She sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.
 

Find out how to become part of the NavPress Blogger Review.

The $5 Book Deal lineup includes The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (January), Living the Resurrection by Eugene H. Peterson (March), Becoming a Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Heald (May), Dark Blue by Melody Carlson (July), Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow (September), and Abba's Child by Brennan Manning (December).

"The $5 price has been the magic number over the past year or two in retail," explains Eric Helus, NavPress Sales Manager. "Our yearlong offering helps make a sampling of our best-selling titles available at a price point that will allow the reader who might not be familiar with or interested in buy and read these books. At the same time, retailers can cross promote the $5 books with the respective author's other titles to increase sales."

The first order for each book is required to be a minimum of 25 units. Retailers can sign up for all six titles in advance or purchase on a custom basis. Orders are nonreturnable; terms include free freight and 30 days. These bestsellers can be ordered by contacting NavPress or a Noble Marketing representative.

“The Munce Group and our new initiative ChristianContest.com had an enter-to-win contest featuring Solo [Pink Edition] in early October," explained Graham Munce. "One of the five winners was Kristie, who sent an email telling us how encouraged she was to be receiving Solo [Pink Edition].”

According to Munce, Kristie wrote: “Thank you so much. This is perfect timing as my aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has already had surgery but has chemo yet to come. It will give both of us much needed guidance in this difficult time.”

“We're glad to hear how Solo [Pink Edition] is helping people at a time when they need support and God’s Word,” said Mike Miller, president of NavPress.

NavPress has developed a website to share people’s stories about dealing with cancer. Visitors to www.solopinkedition.com also can send ecards and view videos.

The Message REMIX//Solo [Pink Edition] by Eugene H. Peterson retails for $17.99. NavPress is donating a portion of the proceeds from every sale of the devotional Bible to breast cancer research.

Sharon Hinck won in the Speculative category for The Restorer’s Journey and Jenny B. Jones took home the award in the Young Adult category for The Big Picture.

“At NavPress/TH1NK, we’ve been honored to work with some of the industry’s best fiction authors and look forward to publishing more life-changing resources in the future,” says Rebekah Guzman, senior editor for NavPress.

The mission of ACFW is to promote Christian fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry. The group offers a variety of services and benefits to members in an effort to fulfill its mission to encourage writers of Christian fiction, develop their skills, educate them in the market, and provide fellowship for writers of like interests.

Souvenirs of Solitude guides readers into going deeper with God and waiting on Him in silence. Beloved author and retreat leader Brennan Manning shares his wisdom, stories, and heart from his own experiences in solitude. Souvenirs of Solitude also includes an eight-day retreat guide.

Also available in October are Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage by Michael Misja and Chuck Misja, The God Who Smokes by Timothy Stoner, and Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

NavPress has named Barry Sneed its new vice president. Sneed will focus on church and denominational relations and help with the development of core discipleship and spiritual formation models and tools.

“We are very excited to have Barry become part of the NavPress team,” said Mike Miller, president of NavPress. “His expertise and background make him the ideal person to help NavPress meet the needs of the church. His experience in understanding discipleship and spiritual formation processes will be critical as we connect with churches to assist them with their discipleship work.”

Sneed most recently was the Lead Church Consultant and Regional Director for Church Relations and Consulting of LifeWay Christian Resources. In this role he helped churches assess, strategize, and implement church health and ministry effectiveness. One of his greatest strengths is helping churches identify and achieve their potential. He has also served in the local church for more than 20 years and was director of LifeWay's Discipleship and Family Leadership Department. At NavPress, he will be a member of the company’s senior leadership team.

“When the offer came, it was a ‘spiritual no-brainer.’ My heart and passion lines up with the biblical mandate to make disciples and with The Navigators’ calling to advance the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost. That’s as missional as it gets,” said Sneed.

Sneed is the co-author of Jesus By Heart and Transformational Discipleship (both LifeWay Church Resources).

NavPress also has launched www.solopinkedition.com, a site devoted to supporting those dealing with breast cancer. The site features encouraging videos, e-postcards, and a place for visitors to share their own experiences with cancer.

"Solo [Pink Edition] is significant in the history of NavPress,” said NavPress President Mike Miller. “The idea for this devotional Bible came from a staff member who had a personal experience with breast cancer, so this cause is very important to us."

NavPress has partnered with CBA and Dave Dravecky’s Outreach of Hope to offer a Christian retail exclusive. Christian retailers can participate in The Message of Hope program in which customers who purchase a copy of The Message//REMIX Solo [Pink Edition] are invited to sign bookplates to encourage cancer patients. The bookplates will be placed inside The Message of Hope booklets, which feature selected portions of The Message. Dravecky, a former MLB pitcher who survived career-ending bone cancer, will help distribute the booklets to cancer patients and survivors.

• New Bible studies by Cynthia Heald and Rita Platt

• New Message Bibles, including The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition]

• Spiritual formation books, featuring a new retreat guide series by Jan Johnson

See the catalog now.

The NavPress Blogger Review Program has reached 252 bloggers who regularly review NavPress products. In September, four new products were added to the NavPress Blogger Review Program:

• Learning to Soar by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Matt Willis

Among life's uncomfortable situations, God provides incredible blessings, if we are willing to step out from the ledge and trust in Him. This new release helps unfulfilled Christians step out into abundant living.

• An Undivided Heart by Rita J. Platt

This eight-week Bible study, written specifically for women, will encourage you to enter into an eternal romance with Jesus. Includes review and discussion questions.

• How to Stay Christian in High School by Steve Gerali

By looking at the lives of some famous teens, today's high schools can learn how to deal with peer pressure and temptations without giving up on their faith or integrity.

• The Amazing Collection Revelation video and workbook

The Amazing Collection is a video and workbook Bible study series written for women, by women. Ideal for small-group or personal use, this series will work for the woman who is new to God's Word and for the seasoned Bible student.

Find out more about the Blogger Review Program.

What is the biggest technology-related challenge for Christians today?

We live in two worlds simultaneously. We live in the virtual world, where many of us maintain relationships and do business. Most Americans are touched by the virtual world to some degree. But we also live in the physical world. The reality of blending the two worlds—which often clash—is probably the most significant issue regarding technology and the Christian faith. It's not the platforms, it's not the tools—it's the reality of two different worlds. Sometimes we give priority to one over the other. That's the big trade-off. And that is the biggest technology-related challenge for Christians in the 21st century.

Read the entire interview.

Just three weeks after its second printing--and still more than 10 days out from its release date--The Message//REMIX: Solo [Pink Edition] has sold out and is going back to print for the third time.

"A portion from each sale of Solo [Pink Edition] will go toward finding a cure for breast cancer," said NavPress President Mike Miller. "To see such a great response in the marketplace even before it releases is wonderful. We are excited to see how this will positively impact the lives of those who have this terrible disease."

The white-and-pink devotional Bible releases Sept. 15 to coincide with October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Author and speaker Carol Kent was recently featured in the season premiere of WE TV's Secret Lives of Women. Her story was one of four spotlighted, starting Aug. 18, on the segment "Mothers of Murderers," which chronicled how her son, Jason, shot and killed his wife's ex-husband. Jason was sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

The one-hour episode featured Kent, her husband, Gene, and Jason. Kent, who wrote about her experience in When I Lay My Isaac Down, told The Tampa Tribune that she did the show to help other mothers and relatives of inmates.

"Most people live in a prison of their own making ... when a family member is incarcerated," she said. "When we begin to be real, that is the mostfreeing experience we can have."

Christian retailers can participate in The Message of Hope program in which customers who purchase a copy of The Message//REMIX Solo [Pink Edition] by Eugene H. Peterson are invited to sign bookplates to encourage cancer patients. The bookplates will be placed inside The Message of Hope booklets, which feature selected portions of The Message. Dravecky, a former MLB pitcher who survived career-ending bone cancer, will help distribute The Message of Hope to cancer patients and survivors.

“We are excited to be able to partner with NavPress in distributing The Message of Hope along with the handwritten notes on the bookplates to those suffering with serious illness,” he said. “We hope and pray the entire Message//REMIX Solo [Pink Edition] project will draw everyone it touches closer to the heart of God in the midst of their journey.”

To support research into finding a cure for breast cancer, NavPress is donating a portion of the proceeds from all sales of Solo [Pink Edition] to breast cancer research. The white-and-pink Bible by Eugene H. Peterson retails for $17.99 and releases Sept. 15 to coincide with October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We are thrilled with this positive response to Solo [Pink Edition],” said NavPress President Mike Miller. “NavPress has been impacted in personal ways by breast cancer, so this cause is very important to us.”