Posts Tagged ‘news’

Book Chronicles Life and Impact of Prominent Ex-Gay Christian

posted on by Susie

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.

$2.99 Sale: By God’s Design

posted on by Nicole

For 24 hours we’re offering a powerful non-fiction title for just $2.99! Pick up Judith Hartzell’s book By God’s Design: Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction: A True Story for a discounted price for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. This special pricing will remain through the weekend and then it will return to regular price.

ByGodsDesignSynopsis: What happens when a man finds himself sunk in a downward spiral of risky homosexual acts and he knows no way to escape?  And when he is about to lose his prestigious and profitable career, along with his marriage, and even his life?  The answer would have been certain tragedy for Alan Medinger if not for a praying wife and the mercy of God. Restored and inspired, he went on to establish a ministry for same-sex-attracted people (Regeneration of Baltimore, Maryland), where he and his wife, Willa, influenced hundreds to turn from homosexuality and seek holiness.  Through their work with Exodus International, they influenced thousands more. When quarrels and dissension affected Exodus in Alan’s last years, he predicted its demise and explained how ministries would continue to succeed without it. Through Alan and Willa Medinger’s story in By God’s Design,  you will learn the truth about homosexuality, its causes, its healing, and how the church can help. BUY NOW

$2.99 Sale: Tear Down This Wall of Silence

posted on by Susie

For 24 hours we’re offering a powerful non-fiction title for just $2.99! Pick up Dale Ingraham and Rebecca Davis’ book Tear Down This Wall of Silence: Dealing with Sexual Abuse in Our Churches for less than a buck for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. This special pricing will remain through the weekend and then it will return to regular price.

TearDownThisWallofSilenceSynopsis: Why do so many of our churches feel like a safe place for sexual offenders, but an unsafe place for survivors of abuse? The wall of silence regarding sexual abuse in our churches must be torn down. Christians must hear. Tear Down This Wall of Silence answers questions such as:
• Who are the Enablers who help keep a system of abuse in place?
• Wrong thinking has kept this sin covered in our churches for decades. What are the truths that need to be proclaimed instead?
• Churches, families, and friends must not turn away. How do we properly grieve such a tragedy? How can we offer hope?
• The offender must show fruits of repentance. How can he begin to make restitution?
• How can the abuse survivor find true safety in Jesus Christ?
Through personal memoir, voices of authoritative professionals, and the words of abuse survivors themselves, Tear Down This Wall of Silence provides a foundational explanation of the problem of sexual abuse in our churches and its aftermath, and offers hope for real change. BUY NOW

Wickedness of Sexual Abuse in Christian Church Exposed in New Book

posted on by Susie

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 Silence“Tear 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

posted on by Susie

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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99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

posted on by Susie

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

posted on by Susie

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].

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

posted on by Susie

For 24 hours we’re offering a powerful non-fiction title for just 99¢! Pick up Stephen Goode’s book Marriage Triage: A Guide to Healing for the Hurting Spouse 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.

MarriageTriageSynopsis: Marriage Triage tends to the wounded Christian whose marriage is in crisis. When the biblical model of what a Christian marriage is meant to be has been broken, Marriage Triage will encourage the hurting spouse to make biblical choices when tempted to give in to emotional decisions. Pain, hurt, and betrayal can bring out the very worst in our decision-making processes. While other marriage relationship titles are designed to help marriages improve, Marriage Triage is geared to help a spouse emotionally and spiritually survive.