Selah Award Winner!

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We are thrilled to announce that When Legends Rise by Daphne Self was awarded first place in Speculative Fiction in the Selah Awards! While we are always proud of our authors, winning first place in the prestigious Selah Awards shows the hard work and dedication put into a book.

Congratulations, Daphne!

#Throwback Thursday: Love Into Light: The Gospel, the Homosexual and the Church

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

Peter Hubbard is Teaching Pastor at North Hills Community Church in Taylors, SC, where he has communicated the truth of the Scriptures since the church began in 1992. He has earned two masters degrees and is currently completing a doctor of ministry degree in pastoral counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

In his book Love Into Light: The Gospel, The Homosexual and The Church, published by Ambassador International on June 24, 2013, Hubbard seeks to answer the question, “How can Christians live in a culture that promotes the gay lifestyle, yet worship in a culture that never talks about it—other than possibly to condemn it?”

Homosexuality is one of the most controversial moral issues of our day, yet, sadly the church has often been afraid to talk about homosexuality. Many Christians feel confused and divided between the call to love and the call for truth. And many who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction feel alone and alienated by the church.

Hubbard admits in his book, “The first time I counseled a man struggling with same-sex attraction (SSA), I felt awkward [but] the more I listened, the more I learned, the more I realized—we are not different. We are the same. Our specific battles and sins may vary, but our hearts are the same. And our daily need for the grace of Jesus is the same.”

The time is ripe, now more than ever, for God’s people to think and speak about same-sex attraction in a way that is both biblical and beneficial. We must reject our fears and misunderstandings and see ourselves together in need of the grace of Jesus. Love Into Light is designed to move the church toward that end.

Written from the heart of a pastor with a love for people and a sensitivity to our culture, Love Into Light is your next step toward becoming more faithfully and helpfully engaged with people in your families, in your church, and in your neighborhood.

 

You can add Love Into Light  to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is currently available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and ebook.

 

For the month of June, you can grab the Love Into Light ebook for 4.99 {a savings of 50%!}. Don’t miss out on this powerfully insightful book.

Memorial Day Reading List

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Ambassador International Remembers

 

Source: iStock

On Memorial Day, America honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Military. Below you will find books written by military spouses and by military members who have faithfully served America.

The Home Team

The Home Team by Dave Pratt drops readers into the minds of a special forces team with a dangerous mission. Readers will love this book written by retired Air Force veteran, Dave Pratt.

 

The Warrior’s Bride by Carrie Daws

The Warrior’s Bride is a book written by military wives Kathy Barnett and Carrie Daws. In this book, Barnett and Dawes give biblical strategies for helping other military wives thrive based off their own personal experiences and what God has spoken to their hearts.

 

A New Home for Allie: Carrie Daws, Joanie Bruce, Joanie Bruce: 9781620207994: Amazon.com: Books

A New Home for Allie by Carrie Daws, illustrated by Joanie Bruce

A New Home for Allie is a heart-warming children’s story written by military wife Carrie Daws and illustrated by Joanie Bruce. Allie’s story mimics what it’s like for military family kids to have to move around as Allie has to move from Kenya to Somalia. This is the perfect choice for any military family!

 

Repurposed Faith by Rosie WilliamsRepurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time: Williams, Rosie: 9781620205587: Amazon.com: Books

Repurposed Faith is an inspirational book written by military spouse Rosie Williams. Repurposed Faith is designed to reignite the fire in your heart for Christ and his Word. If you are looking to reignite this fire once again, then this is the book for you!

 

 

 

 

For Christ and Country: A Biography of Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis: Lawson, Kenneth E.: 9781935507475: Amazon.com: BooksFor Christ and Country: A Biography of Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis by Kenneth E. Lawson

For Christ and Country is a biography about General Gustavus Loomis written by army chaplain Kenneth E. Lawson. Lawson writes of General Loomis’ unwavering faith and heart to serve his country. General Loomis was a man who was eager to speak about Jesus to anyone who would listen!

 

 

 

A Biblicist View of Law and Gospel
by Lester L. StephensonA Biblicist View of Law and Gospel: Lester L. Stephenson: 9781620201565: Amazon.com: Books

A Biblicist View of Law and Gospel is written by retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Lester L. Stephenson. Stephenson argues for an in-depth interpretation of the law and stresses the importance of the Old Testament while also arguing for how the testaments work together.

 

 

 

 

Armorbearers: The Revolutionary Choices of Servant-Leadership: Watford, Gerald: 9781620202999: Amazon.com: BooksArmorbearers: The Revolutionary View of Servant Leadership by Gerald Watford

Armorbearers, using scripture as its guide, dives deep into what it means to be a servant leader. Armorbearers author Gerald Watford knows exactly what it means to be a leader; he’s been a Marine, pastor, State Trooper, and teacher. Read as Watford encourages his readers to be servant-hearted leaders!

 

 

 

Miracle Man: A Bullet That Ignited a Purpose-Filled Life
by Brett Parks

Miracle Man is written by Brett Parks about his own real-life miracle. In 2012, Navy airman Brett Parks was shot as he ran to aid to someone being mugged. Read about Parks’ near-death experience and how God showed up during his time of need.

 

 

Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus, A Novel - Kindle edition by Harder, David. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Final Grains of Sand - Kindle edition by Harder, David. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Persuaded and Final Grains of Sand by David Harder

Persuaded and Final Grains of Sand are both written by David Harder who served in the United States. Navy. Persuaded is a biblical fiction novel following the life of Nicodemus and his encounters with Yeshua. Read along as Nicodemus realizes the joy and power in the Good News!

Final Grains of Sand is a fiction book about how a man named Jim leaves behind his legacy after getting a cancer diagnosis at 60 years old. This novel will help you realize the value of your life and how much your words and actions can touch the hearts of others.

 

Evocatus by Burke SpeedEvocatus: A Novel: Speed, Burke: 9781620207307: Amazon.com: Books

Evocatus is a fiction book written by Burke Speed, a retired Colonel and command pilot who served in the United States Air Force. Speed writes about the story of Jamie, a young veteran who is called again to a new type of duty and faced with the call to fight again.

 

Every day and especially on Memorial Day, we are so grateful for all those who have served America so well!

#Throwback Thursday: Pastor & Deacons: Servants Working Together

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

Carl Herbster has served for over 20 years as pastor of Tri-City Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri. The church has started several other churches, operates a Christian school, and a Christian camp (Southland Christian Camp), and is heavily committed to foreign missions.

Ken Howerton is a certified program manager with IBM. He has served as chairman of deacons in two churches. His wisdom and stability and his commitment to the Lord’s work, have made him a gracious servant and wise counselor.

As fellow servants in the same church, Carl Herbster and Kenneth Howerton collaborated in the writing of Pastor & Deacons: Servants Working Together to answer questions such as:

  • How should a church be organized?
  • What functions do the pastors, deacons, and congregation serve?
  • Who qualifies for the offices of pastor and deacon?
  • How should a church manage its finances?
  • How does a congregation biblically address problems?

Pastor and Deacons by Carl Herbster and Ken HowertonPublished by Ambassador International on September 1, 2006, the “on-the-job,” real-life experiences of the authors make this a particularly practical book and no less relevant to churches today.

Pastor & Deacons is a practical exposition and application of biblical principles of church organization and leadership, and is a must-read for pastors, pastoral staffs, deacons, and any other church leadership. Don’t trust us? Trust the word of evangelist Tom Farrell who endorsed this book saying, “Pastor & Deacons is a must-read for all those in church leadership . . . . This book is biblical, practical and helpful. It is chock-full of “how to” ideas that will strengthen relationships and promote spiritual unity in the local church. The principles on church discipline and the chapter on “Dealing with Difficulties” are worth the price of the book. Pastor, get this book and you will refer to it often.”

You can add Pastors & Deacons  to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is currently available in paperback and ebook.

For a limited time, you can grab the Pastors & Deacons ebook for .99; however, if you have a father in your life who works in church leadership, this book would also make a wonderful Father’s Day present! He will love and appreciate it for years to come!

A Pastor’s Struggle with Mental Health: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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FINDING THE INSIDE SMILE AGAIN

Dear Pastor Jeremy.

It’s been a while since I reached out to you with a word of encouragement. Though you do not seek it from man, I acknowledge your hard work as you seek to glorify God through your ministry. It is not easy. You are called to study the divine scriptures and to walk the road with others as they navigate their way through sorrow, pain, and trials. It is my prayer that this letter will empower you through the mighty working of the Holy Spirit to minister His truth regarding a pressing need all too common and all too overlooked.

Everyone is so busy these days trying to stay afloat in stormy seas of family relationship, personal difficulties, work challenges, and financial matters. I too have found that everything on my to-do list for the day cannot be accomplished in the hours given. It has left me feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained. Because you desire peace and victory for me, I need to let you know how I am feeling.

I have attended church for as long as you have. I listen intently to your messages each week and find great comfort for my depression in the Scriptures you share passionately. How present Jesus has been as I walk the unpredictable road of my mental health-related issues and intense counseling sessions.

Next to my bowl of cereal in the morning is the anti-depressant medication I must take before I finish my coffee.

By three in the afternoon, my energy is running on fumes. As the sun sets in the evening, so the anxiety rises to take its place. And as my head hits the pillow, they who are hidden in the darkness empty barrels of the toxic sludge of PTSD and wounded memories in my mind.

God has brought me a long way on the road to healing, but sometimes I still attend church with a warm smile on the outside and unsettling heaviness on the inside. I rise in God’s grace to serve Him and His people, but often at the same time I fear the darkness I can see approaching from a distance.

Smiling on the outside is easier than smiling on the inside.

A service can go well without it being well with one’s soul. I know God wants me to smile on the inside. He wants me to rejoice. He knows too that depression isn’t a coat that can be taken off and stored in the closet.

There are some days that are so hard, and praying is difficult. I barely say anything. I carry my Bible under my arm and sorrow in my heart as I enter the sanctuary. Though I am still quite young, there are times when I feel very old on the inside. I desire to know God and experience Him afresh, but so often I struggle to do so because it feels like my eyes are stinging from the coarse grains of sand the storm of mental-health struggles has kicked up about me.

But Pastor, I’m not giving up. Don’t get me wrong, there is no confidence in the flesh.

No neuron or muscle, talent or accomplishment serves as a cure to soothe the inflammation of the mind and restore the missing inner smile. If I gave up, where else could I go? Where else could “we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?1 Christ is our Truest Friend. He is the only dependable Friend of the church. I love God because He first loved me. I have tasted the Living Waters and have lost my desire for the cup of the world. I sing the hymns and choruses of old because they confirm what God has done in me. Partaking at the Lord’s table with Him is truly a sacred time. If I walked away from church and from serving God, then I would deny the confidence that “… I will see the LORD’S goodness while I am here in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).2

I know you are aware of the struggles Christians face as they live as Christ’s ambassadors on the earth. You have preached often about the bitter experiences of Joseph, David, and Paul. You haven’t been afraid to take your congregation through the pages of Job and Hannah’s story. You’ve encouraged the children of God to “have a cup of tea” with Thomas, Peter, and John.

I’ve seen you at times wearing an outward smile. I am not foolish enough to believe you have it all put together.

Each precious soul in the body of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ needs to find and keep their inward smile – a joy that is not dependant on good times or feeds off outward enjoyment of things. The church needs to return to the safest arms and warmest heart. He will not reject us though we come still wearing the heavy coat of depression to worship Him. The Shepherd knows how to carry His lambs and how to break the jaws of the wolves that stalk the flock.

When that darkness envelopes me, I have found Psalm 43:3-4 most uplifting: “Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God-the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!” 

It doesn’t take a professor of Theology to understand where a broken heart and troubled mind can go to be counseled, comforted, and restored.

I’m learning that the only way I will find my inner smile is to follow God’s light and truth to the place where He restores it anew. It leads to a place where I am touched by the Master’s hand. It is a place where holy acoustics convey the Father’s heart and words with perfect clarity. Though I suffer outwardly and emotionally, I do not need to ask Him to call me home. All that matters is that He calls me “beloved.” How often, dear Pastor we forget that God still Is everything He was, and that because He restored the inner smile of Joseph, David, Paul, Job, Hannah, Thomas, Peter, and John, He will do it for His bride today. I know it is your testimony too. May we all submit to His holy work and good plan as we work the corners of our mouths by flexing the muscles of faith.

Dear Pastor Jeremy, I encourage you to spend time in this Psalm. Follow His light and truth. Look into the matter thoroughly. I know you’ll be encouraged.

In Christ’s service
Pastor Jeremy

Jeremy Dykman is a pastor with a heart to serve God and a calling to share God’s Word with others. He was born in South Africa and spent thirty-nine years in Johannesburg before moving to Canada with his wife and two sons. Jeremy has recently released a book detailing his personal journey with depression. Room 13B is available through your favorite retailer.
 
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1 What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Lyrics: Joseph Medlicott Scriven. Music: Charles Crozat Converse. Published in Sing His Praise by Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, Missouri, (1991).

2 Scripture quotation taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. NLT® Text Edition: 2012. Copyright © 2012 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois.

#Throwback Thursday: Declutter Now!: Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

This week’s featured book is Declutter Now!: Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life by Lindon and Sherry Gareis which was published by Ambassador International on August 20, 2012.

Lindon and Sherry Gareis, certified Christian Life Coaches from Glendale, Arizona, are the founders of Action Plan Ministries. Their blended family includes three sons and one daughter – Trent, 25, Ryan, 24, Devin, 22, and Sarah, 22. Lindon and Sherry love being outdoors, love being together, and are committed to a lifelong honeymoon.

Negative clutter can invade every area of your life—not just your closets. Relationships, finances, kids, jobs, health and spiritual wellbeing are all adversely impacted by the unnecessary and harmful stuff we accumulate and hold onto. That could be physical junk or emotional baggage. Husband and wife Lindon and Sherry Gareis, authors of Declutter Now! Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life  know this from firsthand experience. “This clutter gripped Lindon and I and held us back from the freedom to enjoy what we really felt called to,” explains Sherry. “And that was ministry.”

Declutter Now by Lindon and Sherry GareisDeclutter Now! encourages readers to declutter every area of life: your heart, mind, body, soul and home. “We find false security in our stuff. We keep company with the wrong people for the wrong reasons. We hold on to negative and painful feelings,” says Lindon. “Think about all of the unnecessary things we gather from these behaviors and choices—stagnant lifestyles, needless and excessive stuff, financial debt, obligation, guilt, extra weight, anger, hurt, discontentment, addictions; the list is endless.” Declutter Now! will help the reader let go of those negative influences that impact our quality of life and our relationship with God. Since decluttering removes what you don’t need and gives you more of what you do, it only makes sense your spiritual journey will benefit too.

 

 

For a limited time, you can grab the Declutter Now! ebook for .99! Don’t miss out on this spring cleaning aid!

 

You can add Declutter Now!  to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in paperback and ebook.

The Mother’s Day Booklist We Can’t Forget

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It’s almost Mother’s Day!

That day of the year that we celebrate the women who birth us, raise us, and read to us.

In honor of mothers, we’re highlighting a few (of the many) great books that we have – written by mothers.

The Longest Goodbye

What happens when your mother no longer remembers you? When her body remains but her mind bids you the longest goodbye? Shelly Calgano goes into that and more in her book, The Longest Goodbye.

What Now? Finding Renewed Hope in Christ After Loss

Kaitlyn Odom Fielder became a mother long after she had lost her own mother…and father…and siblings. Her story of waking up in a hospital bed orphaned and without her beloved siblings and the life she lead after that tugs at every heartstring. What Now? is available now, and is sure to move your heart.

Help! I’m a Foster Parent

Written for anyone who loves foster kids or their parents, and shows the real-life, on-the-ground experiences of families who operate in the foster care system.

Help! I’m a Foster Parent is a must-read for everyone. But again – we encourage you to bring tissues.

Waiting is the Night

What do mothers do at night? Wait. Pray. Wonder.

Waiting is the Night is written for anyone who has stared at the darkness and waited for light to break. But for mothers, this title speaks to their very fiber of being. This is the book for the tired, weary mother. For the mother who desperately needs encouragement. For the mother who does not sleep at night, but waits.

This Mother’s Day, give the mothers in your life the gift of a book that speaks to her.

#Throwback Thursday: Esther: Reflections From An Unexpected Life by Jennifer Westbrook Spivey

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

This week’s featured book is Esther: Reflections From An Unexpected Life by Jennifer Westbrook Spivey which was published by Ambassador International on March 14, 2008.

Through Queen Esther, the course of history was changed. It is nearly impossible to imagine our world today had Haman been successful in his attempt to wipe out the Jews altogether. Her story is, in the easiest terms and by the most convenient definition, an historical account of how God delivered the Jews from total destruction at the hands of an evil man. However, to describe Esther’s story as a mere historical account does not do justice to this powerful and dramatic life. Esther’s life was, in every way, unexpected. The untrained observer looking at this young Jewish woman may not have thought much of her at all. Certainly there was nothing extraordinary about where she lived, when she lived, how she lived, or even who she was.

In Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life, readers will come to know several important people: Esther, the Jewess still living in the city of her captivity, even though the captivity has been over for many years; Mordecai, Esther’s guardian and cousin; Ahasuerus, king of Persia; and Haman, the evil man using his influential position with the king to plot and against the Jews. Readers will also come to know a few others who have smaller roles in this story, but are equally significant: Vashti, the dethroned queen; Memucan, one of Ahasuerus’ many advisors; and Zeresh, Haman’s wife who unwittingly encourages her husband to his own tragic end. Whether good or bad, each of these people have something to teach us in their examples.

This inspirational study is divided into ten weeks, each week divided into five days of “mini lessons.” Each lesson begins with an illustration that introduces the idea of the personal application for the day before getting into the Word. Each lesson may take about ten to twelve minutes, so it can easily be added to your daily quiet time. If you do not currently have a daily quiet time, this little study may serve as a great tool to help you develop that important discipline. Also, after reading through Esther and studying this book, you will see that it is not at all just dry history: it is a powerful and timeless example to what God can do with a person completely submitted to Him, regardless of personal cost.

Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life is a thought-provoking must read for all Christian women. For a limited time, you can grab this ebook for .99! Don’t miss out!

 

You can add Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in paperback and ebook.

#Throwback Thursday: Biblical Leadership: Becoming a Different Kind of Leader by Ken Collier and Matt Williams

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

This week’s featured book is Biblical Leadership: Becoming a Different Kind of Leader by Ken Collier and Matt Williams which was published by Ambassador International on April 1, 2004.

Biblical Leadership is written by two long time Christian leaders who have had years of practicing Biblically based servant leadership. At age eleven, Ken Collier accepted Christ as his Savior at a Christian camp in Alabama. In the years to follow, the Lord continued to use camp ministries to mold his life in service for the Lord. After receiving a degree at Bob Jones University, Ken joined the full-time staff of The WILDS in North Carolina, where he now serves as the camp director. In addition to his camp responsibilities, he is a deacon in his local church where he teaches the adult Sunday School class. He and his wife, Mardi, have three sons and one daughter.

Matt Williams is Associate Pastor of Tri-City Ministries in Independence, Missouri where he has served for thirty-two years. He is also Executive Director of the Mid-America Association of Christian Schools and the Missouri Association of Christian Schools. He has spoken at numerous churches, conventions, and the American Association of Christian Schools Student Leadership Conferences across the nation. He is the author of How to Be a Team Player and Enjoy It. Pastor Williams and his wife, Donna, have been married for thirty-three years and have five children.

There are many different types of leaders—leaders in the business world, in government, in the home, and in the local church, but sadly, many times leadership has been completely contrary to what the Bible teaches.

Many leaders are focused on what they can get from their positions of authority rather than on what they can give to the works in which they are involved. While some view it as a tool for popularity and power, leadership is a privilege. Leadership requires responsibility.

Biblical Leadership teaches biblical leaders how to be people of integrity and humility—leaders who are willing to be different.

Biblical Leadership  will open up your understanding to a complete new look at Biblical leadership, and for a limited time, you can grab this ebook for 1.99! Don’t miss out!

You can add Biblical Leadership to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook!