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“Real Faith” is a Believer’s Guide to the Christian Faith

New Book Explains What Christians Believe and Why

For immediate release: In the last 20 years the number of adults reading the Bible regularly has dropped to just two in five who read Scripture each week, according to Barna Group research. Relying on popular culture and not the Word of God for life guidance is a major problem within the Church today, according to author John Murray. Real Faith: What’s at the Heart of the Gospel? (Ambassador International; September 2012; $13.99, paperback) is a new guidebook for Christian believers. “Real Faith covers the main issues of the Christian faith,” explains Murray. “The book discusses what we believe, why we believe it and what is expected of us because we believe it.”

Real Faith guides Christians into a deeper understanding of their faith, helping them create a clearer picture of what being a Christian really means, which Murray believes—and research shows—is desperately needed. Another Barna study found:

More than 60% of Americans can’t name either the four Gospels of the New Testament or half of the Ten Commandments.
Many professing Christians don’t believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit actually exist.
Roughly one-third of those polled believe that a good person can earn their salvation.

With clarity and accessibility for all levels of believers, Real Faith is Christianity 101 for students of all ages.

Born and educated in the UK, author John Murray studied at the Birmingham Bible Institute and Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, Canada. He worked for Christianity Today in London and served as Associate Editor at The Evangelical Christian magazine. Murray also spent more than 20 years as the Executive Director of Eurovangelism Canada, a mission working in Eastern Europe. Real Faith is Murray’s second book.

To learn more about author John Murray visit http://www.jmurray.ca. To receive a review copy of Real Faith or to connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at media@emeraldhouse.com.

All Kindle Fiction Now Just $2.99!

What costs less than a latte, a bucket of popcorn at the movie theater or the Sunday edition of the New York Times? All of Ambassador’s fiction for the Kindle! Starting immediately, Ambassador is lowering the price on all Christian fiction for the Kindle. We’re excited to offer our library of Kindle eBooks at the new price of $2.99. We think this is a great value for readers who are looking for inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking Christian fiction. So go ahead and find a great new book to download for your Kindle now!

A Q&A with Literary Agent Les Stobbe

Les Stobbe and Author Kashyap Patel

Les Stobbe is well known and respected in the Christian book publishing industry. Representing bestsellers to first-time authors, Les knows what it takes to select authors, develop platforms and teach writers how to make their work shine.

Ambassador International is thrilled to have had Les present works to them for consideration for several years now, some of which include Dr. Kayshap Patel, From Raindrops to an Ocean, Grace Fabian, Outrageous Grace, and Paulette George, Good Morning Beautiful.

Although we don’t require a literary agent in order for an author to submit a manuscript to Ambassador, we often get questions about the publishing process and the role of a literary agent. So I asked Les to share some some of his expert insight.

Tim: How did you become a literary agent?
Les: You’ve heard the saying that “When life gives you a lemon, turn it into lemonade.” I had been with Here’s Life Publishers for 11 years, seven as president when we were sold to Thomas Nelson. So when several writer friends approached me at a conference and asked me to represent them, I agreed. I first represented their books with editors at the 1993 CBA Convention—at which I also interviewed for a position as managing editor of the curriculum division of Scripture Press. For 11 years I worked only part-time as literary agent, though I presented a significant list of book projects to editors at every CBA Convention and at other times of the year.

Tim: What are some of the most notable changes in the industry you’ve seen over the years?
Les: I recently wrote my website’s home page article on this topic. The most notable change is how books are sold and what that has meant for authors. From 1970, when I got into publishing, until the 1990s, we marketed principally to booksellers and bookstore chains. We considered ourselves the marketers. Gradually the number of bookstores declined and more and more books were moved through distributors. The impersonal nature of that process put the major burden of promoting their books on the author, most of whom had no marketing experience. So when their books did not sell, publishers switched to mostly publishing authors with recognizable names nationwide. That left most first book authors out in the cold—and at the mercy of self-publishing entities. The result has been a lot of books unsold in people’s garages. The e-book revolution is changing that—e-books do not clog garages, while POD (Print on Demand) means there is no inventory at the publisher and authors buy only what they are selling.

Tim: How do you find your writers?
Les: I can honestly say writers are sent to me by God. His instruments may be recommendation by one of my clients or a book editor, a listing of agents, attendance at a Christian writers’ conference, where I interact with writers to help them get published. Occasionally someone stumbles onto my website, www.stobbeliterary.com. God impressed on me that my ministry focus was first book authors, though occasionally a multi-published author is sent to me by God.

Tim: What do you look for in a first-time writer?
Les: I have to wear the hat of an editor. In fiction I look for first rate writers who have studied the craft and sharpened their skills by taking distance learning courses, attending Christian writers’ conferences, participating in critique groups. The competition is incredibly fierce for the few open fiction slots in all of Christian publishing. In non-fiction I look for uniqueness in idea and approach, though, like editors I look at what the author’s platform is, what she or he does on social media to build a national reputation. Only too often I still get the message, “Not visible enough.”

Tim: How do you know when the manuscript is ready?
Les: Experience. I began evaluating manuscripts for Kenneth N. Taylor of Living Bible fame in 1961 and became editor of Moody Press in 1970. Just like an experienced coach knows when a player is ready for prime time, I can tell in a page or two whether the writing will make it in today’s market. Then I have to factor in whether they have a national platform or are on social media. I use an experienced fiction reader to help me evaluate novels. I love stories and I too easily get immersed in a plot, failing to notice the absence of technical aspects expected from today’s novels.

Tim: What do you love most about your job?
Les: I love helping writers improve their writing and their presentation. That’s why I participate in eight or nine Christian writers conferences each year—and try to help writers improve proposals far oftener than I ought to. It keeps me at my desk when men my age are playing golf or fishing.

Tim: Anything else you’d like to add?
Les: My greatest satisfaction is seeing writers I helped get started getting book contract after book contract—and honoring Jesus Christ as they do so. Recently a client stumbled onto my name on page 81 of a book by a bestselling author who claimed I taught him to write. I well remember my meetings with him!

Total Home Makeover Blog Tour: Your Chance to Win!

This week author Renee Metzler will be making the rounds, stopping at several hot blogs and websites to promote her new book Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit. Be sure to stop by these sites, check out fresh advice from Renee, author interviews and book reviews. Plus, you’ll have several chances to win a free copy of Total Home Makeover!

Monday, August 20: HomeMakingOrganized.com and CreativeMadnessMama.com

Tuesday, August 21: RaisingtheBarrs.com

Wednesday, August 22: RBClibrary.wordpress.com

Thursday, August 23: LindseyHolder.com

Friday, August 24: iblog4books.blogspot.com

Saturday, August 24: MomDoesReviews.com

Also, check out Renee’s special feature in Hope for Women Magazine!

Celebrate Forgiveness Day: Who Do You Need to Forgive?

August 5 is International Forgiveness Day and August 27 is Global Forgiveness Day. In response to these two holidays we asked Anna McCarthy, author of Forgiveness is Not an Option, to share her thoughts on forgiving in difficult situations.

It’s true with all of us. We hear the word “forgive” and we immediately think of that paramount event in our life that left us crumbled. Where either our heart was shattered, trust was broken or another seemingly unforgiveable act took place. As true as it is that these events do require our hearts to move towards forgiveness, how often do we stop there?

I fear that it isn’t always the tragedies in our life that lead our hearts into bitterness, but often the less noticeable offenses. The ones we are quick to brush aside because it doesn’t seem like “that big of a deal”. Areas where our pride steps in and readily moves past the offense not wanting to admit we were actually hurt. You see, forgiveness isn’t always wrapped up in a tragedy. The kind of forgiveness that Jesus teaches in scripture is daily…repetitive even. We learn of this kind of forgiveness through Peter’s questioning of Jesus on the subject, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”. (Matthew 18:20-22) Right here we see that this was an offense that had the opportunity to occur often…even with the same person!

Avoid Bitterness

When someone hurts or offends you on a small level, the first act of forgiveness can come somewhat easily. It is the second, third and fourth time where we start thinking that we either should just toughen up and not let it get to us, or just swallow it and move on because obviously their behavior isn’t going to change. This is where I believe many of us unknowingly open a crevice in our hearts to bitterness. It’s quiet at first, not obvious on the surface and yet over time can lead to one very hardened heart.

Admit to the Hurt

So, what do we do in these moments of mundane offenses? First, we must validate that we are hurt. We can’t begin to forgive someone that we are unwilling to admit hurt us! In that moment when someone’s words or actions sting, stop yourself and internally admit that you are offended. Quietly tell the Lord that you are hurt and why. Then, make the choice to forgive. Tell the Lord that you forgive them. And, what if even after this prayer you still feel angry or bothered? Pray for them. Our hearts are hardwired to soften towards those whom we choose to genuinely pray for. I believe this is one of the reasons Jesus teaches us in scripture to pray for our enemies.

Forgive Daily

This daily act of forgiveness may seem somewhat insignificant, yet this is much more powerful than we often realize. These small acts of forgiveness protect our hearts, keeping them tender, soft and open.

Whether your life has been met with tragedy or not, I encourage you to look past the glaring offenses in your life and dig a little deeper into the smaller ones. Then ask yourself the question, “Who do I need to forgive?”

Ambassador Authors in the Media

Several Ambassador International authors have enjoyed sharing their stories and expertise recently with a variety of media outlets around the country. Here is a rundown of where you can check out these interviews:

Jim Geyer, author of Dad and Mom’s Country Wisdom: Everything I Know about the Bible I Learned on the Farm was featured in a front page article of The Times Examiner on Wednesday, July 25.

Stephen Goode, author of Marriage Triage: A Guide to Healing for the Hurting Spouse, was interviewed on WRHI’s program Palmetto Mornings on Wednesday, August 1. Listen to his interview on marriage, Chick-fil-A and recent Hollywood break-ups. Marriage Triage was also featured on Charlotte Area News.

Renee Metzler, author of Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit, was interviewed for the website HomeMakingOrganized.com. The article features Renee’s tips in time for National Simplify Your Life Week.

Devotional Wherein the Lilies Grow by Jo Crosby received a great review from By the Book.

Bob and Kathy Basmadjian, authors of Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream, were interviewed on July 23 by Pastor Rick Tocquigny on his program Life Lessons Radio.

Dick and Pat Geyer, authors of Chaplains of the Bible, were interviewed by several radio outlets including for an upcoming broadcast of Wayne Shepherd’s First Person program.

Celebrate National Simplify Your Life Week with Help from Ambassador Authors

The first week in August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What better way to celebrate than by clearing the clutter from some area of your life– whether it be your closets or your finances. Two new books from Ambassador International are designed to help you simplify your life.

Declutter Now!: Uncover the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life by Lindon and Sherry Gareis: Negative clutter can invade every area of your life—not just your closets. Relationships, finances, kids, jobs, health and spiritual well-being are all adversely impacted by the unnecessary and harmful stuff we accumulate and hold onto. That could be physical junk or emotional baggage. 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.

Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit by Renee Metzler: Transform your home with daily and weekly routines, family training, and room-by-room organization. Renee Metzler gave up a full-time career to become a full-time mom and home manager ten years ago. But she quickly realized she had never learned the skills necessary to do this job well. This book is a quick-start manual that will help any home manager do their job with excellence, taking your life from chaos to order. Each day includes prayer, a ten-minute coaching session from Renee and daily to-do list to help you turn your home into a haven.

As a special offer for National Simplify Your Life Week, anyone who orders a copy of Total Home Makeover or Declutter Now! by August 15 will receive a FREE digital copy of the book from iTunes. Simply email your receipt to sales@emeraldhouse.com to take advantage of this offer. To help you jump start your plan, authors Sherry and Renee are answering questions about simplifying life:

1. How have you personally tried to simplify your life recently?

Sherry: Interestingly, Declutter Now! is largely responsible for our most recent wave of simplification. Writing a book, and all the elements associated with it, has demanded that we say ‘no’ to some events or commitments that we would have otherwise said yes to. We’ve simplified our schedule to make room for the priorities. Not always easy, or fun, but necessary!

Renee: I have focused on three areas: food, fashion and storage. In terms of food, my husband grows a beautiful kitchen garden each year. I’m trying to use fresh vegetables daily to create simple and healthy meals. For fashion, I made a New Year’s Resolution to NOT buy any new clothes this year in an effort to avoid a cluttered closet and save money for my children’s Christian school education. Storage-wise, my chaotic confession is the little red barn at the edge of our property. It’s adorable from the outside and hideously disorganized from the inside. It’s my summer organizational project. To keep me motivated, I’ve planned an End-of-Summer Party for close friends and family. This dinner party will be hosted in … the little red barn. Talk about motivation!

2. Why should simplifying our lives be our goal?

Sherry: In Declutter Now! we talk about how ‘less can be more’, and this is much ‘more’ than just a cliché’. Our lives get cluttered with material stuff, unhealthy relationships, draining careers, poor health habits, financial burdens, and the like, leaving little room for the things that matter most. It just makes sense to simplify in order to have the time, money, and energy for the true desires of your heart.

Renee: Simplifying is about making room for what’s really important. We only have a short-time here on earth. We must choose to live for eternity (the spiritual kingdom), not the here-and-now (this physical kingdom). It’s about saying, “No.” We can choose to turn from the clutter of this world: material possessions, television, Facebook, chasing after worldly success, money, and status. It’s about saying, “Yes.” We can choose to invest more in the things that are eternal, that will go on living after this physical world passes away. Things like a relationship with Christ Jesus, speaking words of encouragement and hope to our spouse, playing with and training our children.

3. How can your book help people simplify their lives?

Sherry: We address how to declutter eight different areas of your life by providing practical tips, life application strategies, and engaging stories. We help people gain an awareness of areas that should be decluttered and then encourage them to take action and make it happen! It’s our Declutter & GO! concept!

Renee: Total Home Makeover is a 20 Day Plan to Renew your Space and Spirit. Each day, you will (1) renew your spirit by seeking the living God through {Prayer, Bible Reading and Journaling}, (2) renew your space in our daily couching session {called Let’s Chat} where you’ll learn one secret to managing your home more efficiently, and (3) apply what you just learned by completing the daily to-do list {called Get Moving}. Partner up, earn rewards, use worksheets, learn a smarter way to manage your home, and laugh at my stories as you journey from chaos to order for a Total Home Makeover.

Feeling inspired by Renee and Sherry to simplify life? Don’t forget about our special offer just for National Simplify Your Life Week. From now until August 15 anyone who orders Declutter Now! or Total Home Makeover can forward their receipt to sales@emeraldhouse.com to receive a FREE digital copy from iTunes as well.

Highlights From the International Christian Retail Show 2012

Ambassador International ICRS Booth

For the last 15 years CBA’s International Christian Retail Show has been a mid-year marker for Ambassador International. This key show has presented us with many opportunities to get our product in front of important contacts nationally and international.

Below are some of the highlights of ICRS 2012, held last week in Orlando:

Author Signings

This year we had author of Marriage Triage, Stephen Goode; Florida’s very own Ruth Ellinger along with Cheryl Johnston and Ronni Scott contributors of the recently released Women of the Secret Place; authors John and Jo Crosby of the Called To

Ruth Ellinger’s ICRS Book Signing

series and Wherein the Lilies Grow and Bob and Kathy Basmadjian authors of children’s release Abraham’s Journey.

Each of the signings drew in a crowd and a lot of positive connections. A highlight being new contacts with the Florida Hospital System that could see a selection of our titles being used as resources in the hospital systems stores.

Author Interviews

In the weeks running up to ICRS our publicist is busy coordinating author interviews for each of the attending authors. ICRS 2012 interviews included Moody Radio, Christian Lifestyle Magazine, and Revelation Media Network.

Buyer Meetings

For me personally this keeps my days at the show occupied from early morning through to late in the evening. Meetings included connecting with our great buyers at Family Christian, Lifeway, Christian Book, Logos, Koorong Australia and Word Australia.

Ambassador CEO Sam Lowry

Although buyers are representing chains of all sizes in all regions of the US and far across the pond the common thread is eBooks — over the last few years buyers have all shared how they as retailers are stepping up to this shifting trend in reading. As publishers this excites us! With an extensive list of eBooks we’re thrilled to be able to be a part of this and make our product available in an instant to anyone, anywhere.

Next year we’ll head to St. Louis for ICRS.

Are you working on a book that needs launched to the world? Let’s us know. Submit your manuscript now and you could be with us at ICRS 2013.

3-Day Flash Sale: Buy 1 Get TWO Free

We’re having a Flash Sale! Buy any Ambassador New Release and we’ll give you two free eBooks! Simply purchase your Ambassador book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, forward your receipt to sales@emeraldhouse.com and let us know which two free eBooks you want from this selection:

Christian Living: Marriage Triage: A Guide to Healing for the Hurting Spouse, regularly $9.99

Christian Fiction: Crossing Values, regularly $9.99

Children’s: Chocolate Socks, regularly $9.99

You’ll receive two unique iTunes download codes worth a total of $19.98! Hurry, this incredible offer ends Sunday!

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