Archive for the ‘Ambassador News’ Category

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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In January, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month brings together law enforcement and organizations across the nation in a strive to eliminate human trafficking.

Because trafficking is so prevalent now, Judy DuCharme wrote her latest novel, Who Will Rescue Us?: A Love Story, to highlight this endemic situation. She believes the more people know what’s going on, the better they can recognize someone being trafficked, and know who to contact and what to do and what not to do.Who Will Rescue Us? A Love Story by Judy DuCharme, Christian fiction

When Sofia sets out from South America to start a new life in the States, she discovers evil is just as prevalent in her new country. Working at a hotel, Sofia sees numerous children she suspects are being held against their will. After Sofie meets Hector, they devise a plan to help the most vulnerable. But will she jeopardize her own citizenship status? And more importantly, if she and Hector don’t rescue the children, then who will?

Who Will Rescue Us?: A Love Story is a new take on the dangers of trafficking, endearing the reader to the lives and personalities of the children enmeshed in this horrible crime and the love and humanity of the rescuers. Because it is such a heavy subject, DuCharme also wrote it to weave in the concept of forgiveness in difficult situations, and it has a lot of hope and even a sweet love story.

Home Team 2 by Dave Pratt, Christian romantic suspenseDave Pratt highlighted the current problem of human trafficking in his latest novel, Home Team 2. In Home Team 2, after a successful mission for the Home Team, the government is ready to create a Home Team 2 to help thwart human and drug trafficking. But finding recruits who can handle the assignment is not so easy. And the measures that the Lees will take to protect their investments puts everyone on the team at risk. When Washington State Patrol Trooper Ellen “Ell” Evander is reassigned to spend time with the Home Team, motivation to find her kidnapped niece clouds her judgment and spurs her on a mission that may end her career. Army Ranger Alex Anthem soon finds himself side by side with the attractive state patrol trooper. As the pressure mounts, Ell and Alex both have decisions to make that could change the courses of their lives forever.

Dave’s goal in writing Home Team 2 was to show how a dedicated person, seeking justice for others, can get wrapped up in their crusade to do it all on their own, no matter the danger.  All too easily, they forget that they need others and more importantly, that God is there to help when they ask Him to guide them and be on their side. As a secondary goal, Dave wanted to set the stage for the story against the timely, current problem of human trafficking and show that there is hope in the battle.

Human trafficking is a timely issue, with over 89,000 missing persons cases open at the FBI and 1,100 human trafficking victims counted in the U.S. each year. Home Team 2 shows how a person, even as ill-advised as the story’s main character, when motivated by good and guided by God, can make a difference.

 

The following resources are for those who have been trafficked or are in danger of being trafficked, for those who suspect someone is being trafficked, for troubled young people, and for those who would like to donate or volunteer:

 

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888
Text INFO to 233733
www.Humantraffickinghotline.org

 

Tim Tebow Foundation

For info on anti-human trafficking and child exploitation, to join the rescue team as an advocate or to pray, to donate financially, to volunteer
www.timtebowfoundation.org

 

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

800-843-5678
www.missingkids.org (cyber tipline)
missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
Courageous and Free
Serenity Orchards, a place for girls who are survivors of
sex trafficking and abuse
1-833-ONEHOPE
www.courageousandfree.org

 

Love146

Journeys alongside children impacted by trafficking today and helps prevent trafficking of children tomorrow
203-772-4420
www.love146.org

 

Hope for the Children Ministries

Changing the Lives of Children and Families through Faith, Hope, and Love
Working with At Risk, Under Privileged, Foster kids ages 11-18
727-459-5055
www.hftcm.org

 

Ready for Life Pinellas

Supports former foster care youth in homelessness prevention, education, employment, and lifeline support
727-954-3989
www.readyforlifepinellas.org

 

Sak Suam

A ministry dedicated to the prevention, rescue, restoration, transformation, and rehabilitation of vulnerable and exploited women, men, and children through vocational training and community development
www.saksaum.com

 

Women At Risk, International

Provides protection for the wounded, voices for the silenced, dignity for the abused, hope for women
and children worldwide
(616) 855-0796
Tollfree: (877) END-SLAVERY
www.warinternational.org

 

Wisconsin Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Indicator and Response Guide

dcf.wisconsin.gov

 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

University of California: (310) 235-2633
Duke University: (919) 682-1552
nctsn.org/resources/all-nctsn-resources

 

5 Stones / Fox Valley

Three short films about the realities of sex trafficking
www.facebook.com/5stonesFoxValley

 

Hope for Justice

Non-profit organization that aims to end human trafficking and modern slavery in the U.K., U.S., Cambodia, Norway, Australia, Ethiopia, Uganda
www.hopeforjustice.org

Children’s Author Katie Cruice Smith to Release New Christmas Book

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For immediate release: Katie Cruice Smith, author of the beloved adoption book for children, Why Did You Choose Me?, has released another illustrated children’s book just in time for Christmas. Before Christmas Began (Ambassador International, $21.99, November 19, 2024) is a rhythmic telling of the Nativity story that parents can enjoy reading to their kids this holiday season.

Before Christmas Began by Katie Cruice Smith, a children's illustrated Christmas bookTired of seeing so many books for kids telling an inaccurate version of Christ’s birth, Smith decided to write a narrative that focused on what truly happened long before Christmas began. While Smith realizes that Christ’s birth was most likely not in December, she wanted to take the spirit of the season to help parents as they begin to introduce Christ to their children. The beautiful illustrations help to share the story as well.

If you are looking for books to gift children this Christmas, Before Christmas Began is an excellent addition to your library and something that can be made a part of your annual Christmas traditions.

 

About the Author
Katie Cruice Smith, author of Before Christmas Began, a children's illustrated book for ChristmasKatie Cruice Smith is a freelance editor and writer who resides in the Upstate of South Carolina. She is an adoption and foster care advocate and handles the marketing for an adoption attorney. When Katie isn’t working as the senior editor for Ambassador International or writing her next book, she is busy homeschooling her three kids, spending time with her family outdoors, or enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee on her porch swing. Katie is the author of the children’s adoption book, Why Did You Choose Me? and loves to share with others the joy she has found as a foster and adoptive mom.

 

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To connect with the author or request a review copy of Before Christmas Began, please contact publicity director Kimberly Davis at [email protected].

 

Hurricane Helene

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With South Carolina being on the coast, hurricanes are not uncommon or unheard of; however, most often, the path of the hurricane remains on the coast, and this means Greenville, South Carolina, where the Ambassador International office is located, usually experiences only tropical storm conditions. Hurricane Helene changed that.

After the hurricane came through on September 27, 2024, our office building and local staff were without power for days, and many personnel had minimal damage to their homes and property. The destruction we witnessed in our own lives and homes and in Greenville is something we have never experienced before.

After being able to make it back to the office, we tried to check in with as many authors as we could to confirm their safety and well-being. Though we have authors located all over the world, many authors that we have published are actually local or located not too far away from the office. Hurricane Helene #CarolinaStrong

Fortunately, many of these authors shared the same stories as we as staff experienced – power outages and minimal damage, but there were a few who experienced significant property damage and will be dealing with the devastation from this for years to come.

As shocking, mind-boggling, and heart-breaking as this experience was, we are thankful for God’s protection to our staff and our authors, and we continue to pray for those who are still dealing with the devastation Helene left in her wake.

We would be most appreciative if you would continue your support of us by praying for us, both as a publishing house and for our authors personally. Nothing will ever be more important or impactful than prayer! But it’s true, Helene’s destruction has brought on financial burdens for so many involved. If you feel so led, a huge way you can support us is financially, by purchasing our books! Any purchase will help us both as publisher and our authors. But because we want to give back as much as we can, we will be donating a percentage of proceeds on sales directly through our retail store to Samaritan’s Purse to help as they continue to be God’s hands and feet to those in disaster areas. If you’re not familiar with Samaritan’s Purse, you can read about them HERE.

The following list is authors whom we have been able to contact and can confirm are located in the path of Hurricane Helene and dealt with aftermath to varying degrees. They, especially, would be so thankful for your support:

Katie Cruice Smith

Maria Bostian

Sarah Martin Byrd

Miriam Jones Bradley

Janice Cole Hopkins

Connie Kallback

Kelsie Detweiler

Brenda Covert

Amber Bateman

Allison Wells

Brian Onken

Curt Richards

South Carolina’s state motto is “dum spiro spero” which means, “While I Breathe, I Hope.” How true this is for all of us – while we breathe, we hope! But let us never forget the One in Whom we have hope and can turn to not only when times are trying, but always. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28.

 

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

 

Educator Trades her Grading Pen for Author’s Quill

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In her debut work, The Crown Effect: Abundant Life in a Chaotic World, retired Walker County Schools teacher and administrator Kathy Vintson explores the themes of dysfunctional families, alcoholism, bullying and forgiveness. Offering personal examples of God’s life-changing grace, she infuses practical wisdom with humor and applies the truth of God’s Word to share what she learned about her godly inheritance and the transformation that occurred when she chose to believe His promise for her life.
From falling head-over-high heels in front of the entire church congregation to getting back up again with a smile, this book describes the profound effect that God’s unconditional love, unearned help, unmerited favor and undeserved peace will have on you now, if you but choose to receive it.
Be prepared to laugh through, cry over and relate to Vintson’s journey while learning what it means to see yourself the way God does, knowing you can face darkness when you walk in the light of God’s grace, right in the middle of the chaos.

About the Author

Kathy Vintson hails from inner city Birmingham, Alabama. Raised by her grandparents, she learned the importance of trusting and believing in God for everything from a young age. Now retired from a career in education, she writes from a small corner desk that overlooks the lake, where she lives with her husband of more than thirty years.
In addition to creating inspirational blog content, Kathy serves as a motivational speaker for women. She is passionate about encouraging women to claim all God has for them in order to live joyful, successful, abundant lives and to face each season in anticipation of God’s plan for them.

 

The Crown Effect makes you feel like a treasured friend is telling you a story that imparts her wisdom rather than an impersonal Bible lesson. No matter what season you are in, you will relate to this heartfelt and humorous book.”
Amy Bowdoin
Honeysuckle Drive

The Crown Effect: Abundant Life in a Chaotic World by Kathy Vintson is a must read for anyone who has ever found themselves turned upside down by the chaos of life or believing the lies of unworthiness that we are fed by this world. Once we accept Christ, we become sons and daughters of the King, yet we so often settle for less than the peace, joy, grace-filled, life of abundance He offers His children. Kathy’s words are balm for hurting souls as we reorient ourselves to Who Christ is and who we are to Him. What beautiful truth this book gives every reader who is blessed to read these words!”
Jen Thompson
www.trulyyoursjen.com

Johnson Brings Irish Dishes to American Tables in New Cookbook

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In her new cookbook, Delicious Ireland: Forty Years of Fabulous Food, Margaret Johnson brings the taste of Ireland to tables all over the world. “Delicious Ireland guides you on a decades-long culinary and photographic odyssey around the Emerald Isle,” she promises and spends the rest of the book delivering on that promise.
Johnson shares that Irish food has evolved over the past forty years, making now the perfect time to learn new recipes from a new culture. A seasoned cookbook author with fourteen previous works, Johnson is eager to share this evolution. Over four sections—starters, mains, sides, and sweets—she delves into unique new recipes, including some of her new favorites: Tipperary-made Cashel Blue and Fig Tartine, Chilli-smoked Salmon Fritters, and Blood Orange & Polenta Cakes.
Many of the recipes in this cookbook do not instantly scream “Irish.” While it includes the classics like brown bread, lamb, boxty, and bread pudding, Johnson also shines a light on new dishes. Delicious Ireland features vegetarian takes on traditional dishes, a focus on Irish cheeses, and delicious desserts. In the course of sharing all of these new dishes, Delicious Ireland also focuses on the cultural diversity of different Irish regions, sharing variations on the same dish that stem from different local traditions.
The introductions to both the cookbook’s sections and each individual recipe abound with information about Ireland and Irish tradition. Cooking these recipes will give you more than just delicious food, although you certainly will gain some new favorite dishes. Each recipe offers a sneak peek into aspects of Irish culture, making the food itself that much richer.
Delicious Ireland is filled with beautiful, brightly-colored photographs. Just flipping through these pages will make your mouth water as you follow Johnson to every corner of Ireland over the course of her forty years of travel there. It will, undoubtedly, whet your appetite not only for Irish food but for Ireland itself.

About the Author:

Margaret M. Johnson is author of fourteen cookbooks—most recently Festive Flavors of Ireland (2021), Teatime in Ireland (2019), and Favorite Flavors of Ireland (2015)—all published by Ambassador International. As a food and travel writer, she has contributed to magazines in both the U.S. and Ireland, including Intermezzo; SIP, For the Love of Drink; and Teatime. She writes regularly for the Irish Echo newspaper, thewildgeese.irish, and irishphiladelphia.com. She hosts food programs at public libraries and frequently appears at Irish food and cultural events. When she’s not visiting her ancestral home in Ireland, she lives in Westhampton Beach, NY.

Christmas Books for the Whole Family

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It’s December! The lights are up. The trees are decorated. Christmas music is playing. The cookies are baking.

What’s missing? A good book, or two, or a dozen!

If you’re still looking for Christmas books this year, we have you covered.

First, for the kiddos…

 

I Want A Water Buffalo For Christmas

 

 Judy DuCharme has done it again and written a clever classic for yet another age group to enjoy. I Want a Water Buffalo for Christmas tells the story of LaGory, a young water buffalo, who brings life to a family in dire need. Circumstances mysteriously fall into place to create the life-giving wonder of giving to those who have less. Children of all ages will learn the true meaning of Christmas in this fun, cleverly written book. An excellent read for families trying to teach the Reason for the Season this Christmas.

 

Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas

 

Next up on the Christmas list is the oddly titled ( we jest!) Oddball Ornaments by Terry Overton tells the adorable story of the ornaments in the attic, excitedly waiting for their time to shine. Except, instead of being pulled down from the attic, the ornaments are replaced with new ornaments. Something isn’t right. Determined to get to the bottom of the matter and discover the true meaning of Christmas, the Nutcracker sets out on an epic quest to climb the Christmas tree and get to Angel. Maybe Angel will be able to proclaim what Christmas is all about – once and for all.

 

Baby Jesus Is Missing

For the older, middle-grade readers on your list, a Christmas detective story! Baby Jesus is Missing, and the small town of Reedy River seems to be having a crime streak. Will sisters, Catherine and Susanna Mae be able to find the baby Jesus figurines in time? Or will their detective case take them down a journey of loss and betrayal this Christmas season? Perfect for the readers who want just a bit more to their Christmas tales.

 

For teens and adults alike!

 

Life’s About Relationships: A Foundation for Good Relationships

Next, everyone knows that the holidays can make relationships difficult, but Dr. Don Woodward argues that, Life’s About Relationships in his new book titled just that. With an easy, conversational style,  Woodard examines the common struggles that relationships of all sorts face, and gives Biblical advice as to how to face them. Perfect for anyone dealing with conflict or new relationships this year!

 

A House Without Walls

For the discerning reader comes Dan Crabtree’s A House Without Walls, a Christian’s perspective on the ethnically divided church and how Christ unites us all. In a sea of conflicting attitudes and division, this book draws the Body of Christ together once more. A must-read for the Christian seeking Biblical systems during this season of upheaval.

And finally, what is Christmas without a miracle?

They Call Me “The Miracle”: The Carmen Rice Story

They Call Me The Miracle is the story of Carmen Rice and her decades-long battle with a brain tumor that should have claimed her life within six months. Instead, Carmen is here with us today, proclaiming her story, the truth of the Gospel, and the miracle that God gave in her. A must-read for those struggling with faith, discouragement, or hardship during this season.

 

We hope these books bring joy and delight to your family, and you draw you closer to Christ this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas from the team at Ambassador International!

 

Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources for Kids + A Double Author Interview!

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Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources + Children’s Author Extravaganza 

 

Thanksgiving books for your kids that teach YOU and belong on your bookshelf year ’round? We’ve got them!

Rebekka Parry

Ah, Thanksgiving! There’s nothing like it. But too often, the books we read our children aren’t crafted from the best primary sources, or hewn from the knowledge that we can’t truly know everything in history.

Enter our three favorite Thanksgiving books for kids!

 

The story of Sarah Josepha Hale

 

But wait, there’s more! We’ve added a Zoom interview with two of our Thanksgiving authors so that you can learn about the history of Thanksgiving with all the books and research right at your fingertips!

We know. We know. It’s too good to be true!

Click HERE to check out this incredible interview, gather fun anecdotes for Thanksgiving dinner, and maybe add a book or two to your holiday bookshelf!

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A Scent of Water: Bringing Life Back to the Christian School Movement

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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.

It’s back-to-school season!

Autumn will be here sooner than later, but this month and some of the next, kiddos all around the world head back to school. Homeschool, public school, Christian school – we are blessed with so many choices for our children.

In this season of back-to-school pictures and smiling faces with fresh backpacks, we wanted to highlight a book that talks about the Christian school movement, its importance, and its struggles.

One of the surprising benefits of the pandemic was that Christian schools in the USA saw record enrollment. The once-lagging education model was given life and energy for a short period of time.

However, more change is still needed. 

A Scent of Water details what Christian schools desperately need – strong leadership. In addition to the usual requirements of running a school, Christian schools also need leaders who can fundraise, find vision, and motivate parents to invest in the school.

You can add A Scent of Water to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook.

For a limited time, you can grab the A Scent of Water ebook for 2.99!