Posts Tagged ‘new release’

Grace in the Middle Graphics

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Members of our Grace in the Middle Blog Tour: Want a little something extra to help this special post “pop” on your page the week of August 23-August 29? We’ve put together some graphics for your use! Feel free to pull from any of the following to enhance your writing and help promote Wendy Duke’s incredible story. Don’t forget to link back to Ambassador International, as well! Once your post is live fill out this short form and we’ll help promote: https://ambassador-international.com/submit-book-review/. We’re eagerly anticipating all of your wonderful posts!

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Book Tells Story of Jesus Through New Perspective

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The Story is Told Through the Eyes of Children

For immediate release: Taking readers back to the ancient city of Galilee Jesus and the Children of Galilee (Ambassador International; May 2015; $9.99, paperback) offers the story of Jesus’ journey through a new perspective. Through the innocent eyes of children, we see Jesus’ works of miracles, but we also see his trials and hardships.

9781620205280As the stranger spreads His wisdom in the town of Galilee, His growing followers soon included Benjamin and Joel, two young boys he meets on the shores of Galilee. They witness the miraculous events that He performs. The man is a healer, and claims to be the Son of God. Benjamin believes this kind rabbi is the city’s new hero, the one they’ve been waiting for, but Joel isn’t so sure. When tragedy strikes, Joel soon learns a valuable lesson that will change his life – and the course of history.

Author Belinda Kramer says it was her own family that inspired this book. “Two years ago while celebrating Easter I watched as my young nephews Wesley and Alexander threw a fishing net off a dock,” recalls Kramer. “Thinking about Jesus’ ministry in Galilee I began to think about the children who must have followed him. We know they did because scripture makes reference to the disciples trying to shoo them away. As we all know Jesus said, “Let them come unto me. Of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

In Jesus and the Children of Galilee readers will gain a new perspective of Jesus through the eyes of children. “Were children important to Jesus? Absolutely. Here was a group that adored him, did not condemn him and would ultimately grow up to lead and tell the story of Jesus from their own personal encounters with Him,” explains Belinda. “Although the characters are fictional the events woven throughout the story are true. This book educates readers about Jesus on a personal but historically accurate level.”

 

About the Author: Belinda Kramer is a graduate of the University of Florida. She is an educator, journalist, author, and speaker. She is also the mother of a daughter, Lauren, and son, Nathan. She resides in Brandon, Florida with her husband Jack.

To connect with the author or request a review copy of Jesus and the Children of Galilee please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected]

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Book Chronicles Life and Impact of Prominent Ex-Gay Christian

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Hope Offered for Those Struggling with Same-Sex Attractions

For immediate release: Alan Medinger’s life was a wreck: his marriage and career were crumbling. He could no longer control his homosexual thoughts and tendencies. But in the middle of a church service on a November evening he surrendered his homosexuality to Jesus Christ and was miraculously healed of the sexual pull towards men he’d struggled with for 25 years. Medinger went on to become the founder and Director of Exodus North America under Exodus International, an organization for ex-gay Christians. In By God’s Design: Overcoming Same Sex Attractions: A True Story (Ambassador International; April 2015; $15.99, paperback) Judith Hartzell recounts the striking journey of Alan and Willa Medinger to give hope to those struggling with same sex attraction and shed light on how the church can help with healing.

By God's DesignBy God’s Design strives to clarify some of the confusion that surfaces when we are at odds with this issue through the exceptional experiences of Alan Medigner. Hartzell describes how Alan’s history with SSA impacted his and Willa’s ability to raise a family, exacerbated their own insecurities in themselves, and even led to financial struggles after losing a well-paying and respectful job. Through the Medingers’ story we can find the strength to address our own fears and uncertainties about SSA.

Hartzell depicts the Medingers’ story as one of redemption and restoration which ultimately allows hope to flourish. Alan Medinger says, “We had the most hopeless marriage, and God has redeemed it. He has given us deeper love.” The Medingers’ relationship sets an example of how the church can respond healthily and helpfully to those struggling to overcome SSA.

By God’s Design includes numerous accounts of the trials, victories, and changes made in the lives of practicing homosexuals and those who struggled with same sex attraction that the Medingers met through their ministries with Regeneration and Exodus International. One story includes Gene Chase, a former professor at Messiah University, who went on to found his own organization to help other men and women who struggle with SSA in Pennsylvania. Hartzell’s book offers insight into how to approach this topic with respect.

About the Author: For twenty years Judith Hartzell studied Christians’ experiences overcoming same-sex attractions, and for a decade she served on an ex-gay ministry board of directors, all of which resulted in this book, the life-story of Alan Medinger and his wife, Willa. Judith earned a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.A. from the University of Michigan and published two biographies of Mayo Clinic’s founding family. The mother of three grown children, she lives in South Carolina with her husband, Tom, and their dog, Fergus.

Good Samaritan Shot By Mugger Experiences Miraculous Healing

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Near Death Experience Reignites Author’s Faith

For immediate release: Brett Parks heard the cries for help and he responded. But as blood poured out of his abdomen and trickled out of the corners of his mouth, he wondered, was it worth it? In Miracle Man: A Bullet That Ignited a Purpose-Filled Life (Ambassador International; May 2015; $13.99, paperback) Parks inspires and encourages readers through the incredible story of his near death experience.

Miracle Man Before his brush with death, Brett was in the best physical shape of his life, but his spiritual life was weak. Brett admits that he did not always respond to God’s calls for obedience. “I heard him calling to me, but I had something else going on. My Christian life was good, but it could have been better,” writes Brett. “Then, October 17 happened.”

On October 17, 2012, without hesitation, Navy airman and fitness trainer Brett Parks responded to screams for help, chasing down a mugger. The attacker fired a gun from inside his sweatshirt pocket, sending a devastating shot into Brett’s body. The bullet shredded Brett’s kidney, destroyed several inches of his intestines, and pierced the largest vein in his body.

As the medical team worked fervently to save Brett’s life, his wife received the bleak news. Their unborn daughter and young son may not grow up with a father. The medical battle included 14 surgeries in 20 days, an unexpected amputation, and a coma that lasted nearly three weeks. Brett says he also experienced spiritual warfare. Still haunted by the horrible visions of what he describes as a battle between the devil and God for Brett’s soul, he emerged from his coma to begin a long and challenging recovery.

While Brett lost his leg during the experience, he gained a second shot at life. “Through tears of thankfulness, I told the Lord I would go wherever He led me,” remembers Brett. Brett received the governor’s Medal of Merit. He’s won several medals in the Warrior Games and is now preparing to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics Games in Rio, Brazil.

About the Author: Brett Parks is the founder and president of Second Shot Ministry and travels around the nation speaking to schools, businesses, and churches about hope, faith, and how he overcame a 99.999% mortality rate. Because of his heroic actions, Brett was rewarded with the governor’s Medal of Merit, which was presented by Governor Rick Scott. When Brett is not traveling, he loves spending time with beautiful wife Susan and playing with his son Jason and daughter Stella.

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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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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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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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].

 

 

 

 

 

#1 New Release on Amazon: The Shorter Catechism Made Simple

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Our soon-to-be released title The Shorter Catechism Made Simple is already hitting milestones on Amazon. The site distinguished the book as a #1 New Release in its category. The paperback officially launches on April 10, but the ebook is available for purchase now. Author Andrew Conway hopes the book will be a valuable resources, outlining core Christian beliefs and essential characteristics of Christian living.

The Shorter Catechism Made Simple #1

Synopsis: Generations of Christians have found the Westminster Shorter Catechism to be a wonderful treasury of spiritual gold. It outlines the core Christian beliefs and the essential characteristics of Christian living in a way that enlightens the mind and inspires the heart. Its most famous statement, that ‘our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever’ is widely recognized as a piece of timeless wisdom.
Sadly, though, the wisdom of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is increasingly hard for many people today to appreciate. With the passage of time, its beautiful 17th Century English has become further and further removed from the language we use every day.

This brief book aims not only to address this problem by putting the Catechism into modern English, but likewise to highlight the carefully arranged structure of the catechism a structure that in itself contains a great deal of wisdom. To achieve this, the catechism is divided into sections, and a few notes to help explain it are given. May God use it to help a new generation glorify and enjoy Him!

Solo Hiking Trip Transforms Young Woman’s Life

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Soul-Searching Journey Ends with the Discovery of Peace

For immediate release: From cliff diving in Mexico to gazing at The Last Supper in Milan, Stacie Ourlian traveled to all 50 states and nine countries in search of fulfillment. She got married, earned multiple college degrees, but still felt empty. Her life was missing something. And finally she found it during a solitary trip to Sedona, Arizona. Her new book On the Edge: A Solo Hiker’s Journey (Ambassador International; March 2015; $17.99, hardcover) follows her soul-searching journey and reveals where she ultimately discovered God’s plan for her life.

On the EdgeShe brought one hiking bag, a journal, and the Bible on her trip to Arizona. Traveling alone, Stacie’s goal was to hike in the wilderness in an attempt to discover peace. Stacie says she fell into the trap many of us find ourselves in, buying, reaching, doing, yet never content. “Until we follow our Creator’s plan, I’m convinced we will always live in a life where everything is never enough,” she writes. “When we follow our own plan and ignore God’s, we consciously or subconsciously keep searching for something to fill the void felt.” Stacie says her world would have continued to be filled with confusion, anger, disappointment, sadness and guilt if she hadn’t made God the priority in her life. While readers’ struggles may differ from Stacie’s, she feels there is common ground in all difficulties of life. “To write well, you have to write what you know. I know difficulty. I know struggle. I know fear,” admits Stacie. “While our situations are not the same, the solution is the same.”

On the Edge also includes many of the author’s own photos, taken during her numerous solo hiking trips. She believes hiking provides an intimate setting to encounter God. It was on a quiet trail that she made the connection between life and hiking. “You cannot progress on a trail without stepping forward. You control your own actions, and you can only progress by choosing to put one foot in front of the other.” She writes, “You decide whether you will follow God’s plan or your own.”

About the Author: Stacie J Ourlian is originally from Monroe, Michigan and attended Eastern Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Administration K-12. Stacie is also an avid traveler and hiker and has been to all 50 states, but her favorite place is still Sedona, Arizona.

To learn more about the author visit http://www.stacieourlian.com. To receive a review copy of On the Edge or to connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at [email protected].

 

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