Wickedness of Sexual Abuse in Christian Church Exposed in New Book

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Authors highlight dangers lurking among complacent Christians

For immediate release: On the surface the church is always opposed to abuse, but dig deeper and you will find a long history of minimized crime, protected perpetrators and shunned victims. In Tear Down This Wall of Silence: Dealing with Sexual Abuse in Our Churches (Ambassador International; April 2015; $14.99, paperback) Dale Ingraham and Rebecca Davis attempt to shed light on a difficult and painful topic while pointing Christians in the direction of loving action.

Tear Down this Wall of SilenceTear Down This Wall of Silence shouts at such people to open their eyes, expose the wickedness that works to creep in among Christ’s people, and shine the light of God’s truth on it so brightly that it can no longer hide or even exist in our pews,” writes pastor and author Jeff Crippen.

When it comes to sexual sin, it appears the church has a blind spot. But the statistics of sexual abuse are shocking, and the statistics are no different in the Christian community:

  • Nine out of ten child molesters molest children they already know, according to the Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study of 2001.
  • As many as one in three girls and one in six boys will be raped or molested by age 18.
  • Studies show that 18-20% of young women will be sexually assaulted during college.
  • Statistics show that only 3% of these cases of abuse ever reach a conviction.

Tear Down This Wall of Silence contains stories from many brave survivors, including Ingraham’s wife Faith, who was abused by her father, a Baptist pastor. These sections are italicized in gray to help other survivors avoid any unwanted triggers.

Boz Tchividjian, founder and executive director of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment), says “Dale helps us understand the complicated dynamics of sexual abuse within the Church… He also provides a comprehensive overview of the myriad of reasons why the Church often prefers darkness and secrecy to light and transparency. Perhaps the most powerful punch of this book is that it is written by one who has not simply studied the subject, but whose life has been so dramatically impacted by all he has seen and experienced.”

A common concern of well-meaning Christians is that admitting there is a problem will hurt efforts to lead people to Christ. Whether purposefully or unwittingly, these people are enabling abuse to continue. “It’s the sin that hurts the work of Christ and brings shame to the church— not exposing it,” writes Ingraham. “How can dealing with abuse and holding offenders account­able for their sins possibly hurt the name of Christ?”

About the Authors: Dale Ingraham, a pastor for over thirty years, is also the husband of Faith, a survivor of nine years of incest. Together they founded Speaking Truth in Love Ministries, awakening churches and other ministries to the realities of sexual abuse within our Christian communities and helping them understand how to deal with it.

Rebecca Davis is an author and editor with a passion to help the oppressed. She is on the advisory board of Speaking Truth in Love Ministries.

To connect with the authors please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

 

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99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 hours we’re offering two powerful non-fiction titles for just 99¢ each! Pick up Kathy Barnett and Carrie Daws’ book The Warrior’s Bride: Biblical Strategies to Help the Military Spouse Thrive and Carrie Daws’ book Your Extended Family: A Military Spouse’s Biblical Guide for Surviving Within and Without Your Family for less than a buck for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait– pick up these books right now for just 99¢ on Kindle.

WarriorsBrideThe Warrior’s Bride Synopsis: The call came down from Command, and your warrior husband is out the door, leaving you behind to handle whatever he has left undone. Whether it’s the day-to-day monotony, the inevitable appliance that breaks, or the months without his presence beside you, being a military spouse brings challenges few appreciate. Yet God sees you and longs for you to boldly step into His plan. He purposely chose you for this moment—for your man. He wants to give you abundantly more than what you have right now and desires you to thrive as your warrior’s bride. BUY NOW

YourExtendedFamilyYour Extended Family Synopsis: Family. They can be one of our biggest blessings and one of our biggest stressors. Family members that don’t understand the military system can complicate your life, and sometimes the best-intentioned relative can undercut everything you are trying to build with your husband.

Living far away can also be hard if you have a medical emergency. Deployments and high ops tempos give loneliness and depression the opportunity can take over. Are there really any practical answers? What does the Bible say about dealing with and living apart from family. BUY NOW

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 hours we’re offering THREE powerful non-fiction titles for just 99¢ each! Pick up everything in the Declutter Now! collection for less than a buck for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait– pick up these books right now! This sale includes:

  • Declutter Now! Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life BUY NOW

DN Synopsis: We all have too much STUFF! Not just tangible things, but also the
harmful clutter we allow to take up residence in our hearts, minds,
bodies, and souls.

EVERY area of your life must be decluttered for you to live with the joy and freedom God desires!
* We’ll clean out closets, relationships, and finances.
* We’ll share ideas on decluttering your children’s lives from the get-go, and how to instill tools they’ll need to keep them that way.
* We’ll navigate through challenges at work and critical career decisions.
* Are you burdened by emotional ties that bind or physical problems which keep you in bondage? We’ll tackle those too!
* Does your spiritual life feel empty or stalled? We desire to help!

Declutter what you don’t need to make room for what really matters. Less can truly be more!

  • Declutter Now! Study Guide BUY NOW

DN-StudyguideSynopsis: Do you desire more TIME, SPACE, MONEY, FREEDOM, JOY, ENERGY & PEACE?
The Declutter Now! Study Guide is an 8-week comprehensive, practical, step-by-step guide, designed to coach and motivate you to TAKE ACTION and declutter your: Physical space, Relationships, Finances, Career, Mental health, Children, Spiritual life, Body & Physical Health.

Declutter Now! helps you not only recognize the clutter in your life, but also helps you get rid of it forever! What can you expect? Release from the bondage of clutter, live the abundant life God desires for you, thought and conversation provoking questions, inspirational and relevant scripture, a guide to ACTION with helpful resources and practical application. For leaders – complete meeting format guide which includes useful tools, tips, and creative ideas to make your group a success.
Designed to be used in conjunction with the Declutter Now! book.

  • Declutter Now! Devotional: 30 Days to Freedom BUY NOW

DN-30daysSynopsis: Our purpose on earth is to glorify God, but how are we supposed to effectively do this in the midst of busy, overwhelmed, and cluttered lives? We can’t. Or at least not very well.

Are you tired of going through the motions? Ready for a change but don’t know where or how to begin? The Declutter Now! Devotional is the perfect place to start! Quick – Each daily reading takes just a few minutes, spells out exactly what you will declutter that day, and provides relevant, meaningful scripture verses.
Practical – We are REAL PEOPLE doing REAL LIFE. You’ll find relatable, down-to-earth examples and useful tips to help combat life’s struggles. Life-Changing – More than just a bunch of good ideas, Declutter Now! provides tangible, realistic action steps designed to set you up for success!

Don’t delay – START TODAY – and discover the tremendous joy possible when living a decluttered life for Christ!

 

 

 

Quotes from Declutter Now!

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Clear clutter in all areas of life– from closets to careers, finances to feelings– with the help of Lindon and Sherry Gareis. They’re the authors of Declutter Now! Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life, as well as the Declutter Now! Study Guide and the Declutter Now! Devotional. They’ve inspired countless people declutter their hearts, minds, bodies, souls and homes. Now you can pass on some of Lindon and Sherry’s best advice to others by pinning, posting or sharing these quotes with your friends and family. Be sure to include the hashtag #aiAuthors!

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Pastor’s New Book Offers Relief From the Busyness of Life

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Americans Spending Less and Less Time Outdoors

For immediate release: According to a recent report, Americans spend an average of 23 hours a week emailing, texting and using social media. And while screen time is increasing, time spent outdoors is dropping. A local pastor is encouraging others to find more enjoyment in God’s creation through her new book Scenic Walks & Deep Thoughts (Ambassador International; May 2015; $13.99, paperback). Inspired by her walks with her faithful fur companions, Pastor Mary Zimmer started writing her devotions in the monthly newsletters for her church. In her writings, she explores our relationship with God, the gift of life, and God’s surrounding creation;

Scenic Walks and Deep ThoughtsExperts say spending time outside is an essential part of promoting a healthy lifestyle and warding off obesity, psychological disorders and chronic disease. But for Zimmer, the most important benefit is a spiritual one. Every time we open our eyes something or someone is speaking to us! God’s creation – people, animals, mountains, rivers, trees (yes, and even the insects) re sending messages and providing life lessons,” writes Zimmer. “Of course, our problem is an inability to see and hear all they have to say. For several years, I’ve been trying really hard to cultivate this wonderful awareness – and in this book, I would like to share my discoveries with you. Just turn the first page and let the journey begin!”

About the Author: Mary Zimmer serves in the West Virginia United Methodist Annual Conference where she has served as a Pastor since 1996. Prior to this, her ministry consisted of establishing a Christian preschool and volunteering two summers with the Volunteer in Mission program of the United Methodist Church on the Blackfoot Reservation and the Nez Perce Reservation. Her education includes a B.S in Early Childhood Education, a M.Ed. in Human Relations Development, and an M.A Degree in Missions and Evangelism.

To connect with the author or request a review copy of Miracle Man please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

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The Easter Donkey Just $1.99 on Amazon!

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Celebrate Easter with the donkey Drupelet and his adorable farmyard friends! In honor of Easter, pick up The Easter Donkey for just $1.99 on Amazon. This incredible sale runs from April 3-6. Your kids will love the colorful illustrations and sweet characters. And you’ll love giving them something on Easter that’s not full of sugar!

TheEasterDonkeySynopisis: The Easter Donkey offers a fresh telling of the Easter story while reminding readers of its wonder. The Easter Donkey tells of Drupelet’s journey to understand the gifts God has given to those who accept them. BUY NOW

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 hours we’re offering a powerful non-fiction title for just 99¢! Pick up Mary Zimmer’s book Scenic Walks and Deep Thoughts: Looking at Everyday Life in New Ways for less than a buck for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait– pick up this book right now for just 99¢ on Kindle.

Scenic Walks and Deep ThoughtsSynopsis: Every time we open our eyes some thing or someone is speaking to us! God’s creation – people, animals, mountains, rivers, trees (yes, and even the insects) – are sending messages and providing life lessons. Of course, our problem is an inability to see and hear all they have to say. For several years, I’ve been trying really hard to cultivate this wonderful awareness – and in this book, I would like to share my discoveries with you. Just turn the first page and let the journey begin!

New Book Uses Loveable Yellow Lab to Teach Water Safety

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Book Includes Discussion Questions, Creative Activities and Safety Tips

For immediate release: Barkley, a friendly yellow lab, escapes from the backyard and sets out on a grand adventure. But when a casual dip in a neighbor’s swimming pool nearly leads to a drowning, Barkley learns a very important lesson. According to the CDC, every day about ten people die from unintentional drowning with children between the ages of 1 and 4 having the highest drowning rates. Barkley’s Great Escape (Ambassador International; March 2015; $14.99, hardcover) offers parents and educators a way to open and expand the important conversation of water safety with young readers.

Barkley's Great EscapeJust like a child might feel, Barkley is enticed by the nice, cool water in his neighbor’s swimming pool. At first he enjoyed splashing in the water, but soon he realized it was deep and he was in trouble. Eventually his barks for help were heard and Barkley was rescued, but author Wanda Wyont wants children to know the dangers of swimming without supervision. “This is such an important lesson for parents to cover and Barkley helps introduce it in a fun, but memorable way,” explains Wyont.

Barkley’s Great Escape also includes free resources including teaching strategies geared towards children between the ages of 4 and 8. Wyont drew from her extensive experience in education to develop discussion questions, creative activities and promote language development. As an animal lover, Wyont also included tips for interacting safely with dogs.

About the Author: Wanda Wyont has worked in the field of education over twenty five years in many diverse backgrounds. Her teaching experiences range from preschool to college age. She holds an MA in Birth-Kindergarten and has presented multiple workshops at national venues. She has written and published numerous articles and papers on children’s issues. As an experienced storyteller, Wanda encourages children to become good readers and writers. This is her second children’s book.

 

For interview requests or to request a review copy of Barkley’s Great Escape please contact publicist Alison Storm via email at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

Quotes From Choosing Him All Over Again

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Juana Mikels is a powerful communicator– especially on the topic of marriage. Juana not only includes a candid recount of her own marriage struggles in Choosing Him All Over Again, but she interviewed more than 40 people, all of whom had been separated or divorced at one time. This week we’re sharing some of Juana’s favorite quotes from her book. Feel free to inspire others by pinning, posting or sharing these quotes with your friends and family. Be sure to include the hashtag #aiAuthors!

Choosing Him All Over Again Quotes

Choosing Him All Over Again Quote

Choosing Him All Over Again Quote