Monthly Archives: June 2025

pray the news

Pray the News Launches to Transform American Christians’ Relationship with News

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Christian service delivers the day’s top news stories with prayer, not politics

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do.” —Proverbs 16:3

ONLINE, June 24, 2025 — Pray the News (PtN), a non-partisan Christian service that transforms how believers engage with news by helping them pray it, announced its launch today. Christians of every denomination and no denomination, and from across the political spectrum, appreciate the service for keeping them informed of current events in the spirit of faith, hope, and love God calls them to.

“Praying the news is a unique spiritual workout,” said Opal, PtN’s founder. “People who do it regularly find that, after a few months, they don’t just respond differently to news. They respond differently to everything in their lives, because they’ve ‘trained’ to turn everything over to God.”

Core Service: PtNletters

Pray the News delivers PtNdaily six days a week and PtNdigest once a week, both online and via email. PtNletters contain five sections—US and world news, community intentions, stories of Christian persecution, and good news—each with a brief, strictly-the-facts summary of events followed by a Scripture-inspired prayer.

Testimonials

  • “This is amazing—and very, very much needed.”
  • “I love that the prayers re-frame big news stories in line with how Jesus told us to see the world.”
  • “I think we all really need more of this.”
  • “The depth of the prayers speaks to me and challenges my apathy and prejudices, guiding me to see the humanity of everyone involved and to really pray for them.”
  • “This could be the catalyst for a shift in people’s hearts in how they interact with the news.”
  • “This is a better ‘first stop’ for news than other papers or social media. It helps me come to those other sources in a more Christian frame of mind.”

Offerings

  • 100% ad-free, member-supported service
  • Heavily discounted group memberships for families, prayer circles, churches, etc.
  • Free lifetime memberships for church employees (clergy, ministry leaders, missionaries, etc.)
  • Free term-limited memberships through the Pray It Forward Program
  • Individual monthly memberships for less than a cup of coffee, plus 1- and 2-year membership discounts

Social Outreach: Prayer a Day

Christians who’d like to preview PtN’s content before committing to a membership can follow the organization’s Prayer a Day outreach on:

  • Facebook: @ptnonfb
  • X: @ptnonx
  • Substack: @praythenews
  • RSS: praythenewstoday.com/feed

About Pray the News

Pray the News (PtN) is a non-partisan Christian service that transforms how we engage with news by helping us pray it. In 15 minutes or less, members lift up the day’s top news stories to God in prayer. To learn more, visit www.praythenewstoday.com.

Contact

Opal Batel, Founder
hello@praythenewstoday.com
(304) 981-5060 [call or text]

Media inquiries and interview requests welcome.

just megan

Just Megan: A Powerful Memoir of Faith Amid Chronic Health Challenges

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Gilbert, Arizona—Redemption Press is thrilled to announce the release of Just Megan, the inspiring memoir by Megan Bean that delves into the raw, spiritual journey of navigating life with an undiagnosed chronic health condition.

Megan Bean’s powerful memoir Just Megan: A Story of Grace and Resilience in the Face of the Unknown offers readers an insightful and moving exploration of faith and adversity in the face of enduring health challenges. In this extraordinary account, Megan shares her personal journey of embracing God’s presence in the darkest moments, transforming chronic struggles into a platform for grace, and finding ordinary miracles that sustain us through life’s trials.

“We are honored to publish Megan Bean’s remarkable memoir, Just Megan,” said Redemption Press publisher Athena Dean Holtz. “Megan’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering power of faith in the midst of suffering. Her unwavering faith and relentless optimism shine through each page, offering hope and inspiration to readers facing similar battles.”

With a candid and down-to-earth approach, Megan’s debut memoir offers a lifeline of hope for individuals grappling with chronic health issues, parenting children with special needs, or simply seeking inspiration in difficult times. Divulging her personal struggles and triumphs, Megan’s writing is deeply relatable and resonates with anyone yearning to find purpose amid challenges.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Bean, an accomplished writer and North Carolina native, holds a BA in English Literature and Writing and a minor in Religion. Her work, spanning literary magazines, equestrian publications, and faith-based content, reflects her dedication to inspiring others to find strength and hope in their faith journeys. Just Megan stands as a testament to Megan’s commitment to uplifting and guiding readers through life’s trials.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact:
Redemption Press
Email: info@redemption-press.com
Website: www.redemption-press.com

For interviews, contact: beanspirededitions@gmail.com

Social Media Links:

trinity matters

Making Sense of the Trinity: Why It Matters

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Despite being a core Christian belief, the Trinity remains a fuzzy concept for many. The idea that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet remains one God—can be hard to grasp. It seems to fail the logic test (and maybe even the pub test). The word Trinity doesn’t even appear in the Bible! So, why bother trying to understand it—let alone read a book about it?

Pastor Ray Smith recently published Trinity Matters with a clear purpose: to help people make sense of the Trinity and understand why it matters. His second goal is to equip Christians to explain this essential belief to others.

With 45 years of teaching experience, Pastor Ray brings a deep understanding of Scripture and a gift for making complex ideas accessible. Over the decades, he has pastored five churches across New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. His previous book, The Fallacy of Generational Curses (2011), helped readers break free from the negative patterns passed down through families.

Ray is the first to acknowledge that it’s impossible to fully comprehend God—let alone God as Trinity. But Trinity Matters shows how the Bible does, in fact, teach the Trinity, and how we can understand what’s been revealed.

What makes Trinity Matters distinctive is its biblical approach. Rather than relying on church creeds or abstract theology, Ray pieces together scriptural evidence for the divine nature of Christ and the Holy Spirit, leading to the clear conclusion: God is one, yet exists and operates as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What You’ll Discover in Trinity Matters:

1 Christ and the Holy Spirit Share God’s Nature
You’ll see how both Christ and the Holy Spirit share in God’s nature and are even directly called God in Scripture. Jesus is referred to as “Mighty God” and “the Word who was God.” The Holy Spirit is described as “the Spirit of God.”

Remarkably, both the Father and Christ are described as “the Beginning and the End” and “God our Saviour.” These striking parallels reveal the unity and equality among the three persons of the Godhead.

2. The Trinity in Action
Trinity Matters highlights how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in joint operations—cooperating in salvation, creation, and daily guidance. Seeing the Trinity in action makes this concept more understandable. The field of operations? Our lives and the life of the Church.

3. Making Personal Connections
If God lives in relationship as the Trinity, then we are clearly meant to relate to Him that way too. The Trinity provides a deeply personal way to connect with God. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to think and act like Jesus, and to find direction for our lives. The New Testament shows us these vital connection points—meeting our inner longing to live in union with God.

Trinity Matters invites you to explore and embrace these connections. Our relationship with God is formed and shaped through His divine operations and our lived experiences of them.

4. The Trinity in Creation
Paul writes, “Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).

From observing nature to exploring quantum physics, the fingerprints of a triune Creator are everywhere. A God who can create and sustain the vast universe, hear the prayers of millions, and live within each of us—this is a God who can exist as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

5. The Witness of the Early Church
The early Christians—those who followed directly after the apostles—clearly spoke of Christ and the Holy Spirit as divine. Trinity Matters traces this journey, helping readers understand how the belief in the Trinity developed in the earliest years of the Christian faith.

Trinity Matters will help you understand and appreciate the Trinity as a core Christian belief. It brings the pieces together so you can see the full picture of who God is. The Trinity is not just a theological concept—it’s how God introduces Himself to us. Trinity Matters, published by Ark House, is now available globally.

explosion of hope

From Trauma to Triumph: Carolyn Kristos French Releases Explosion of Hope, a Poetic Journey of Survival and Faith

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – After surviving 25 harrowing years in a marriage to a man who was not only abusive but also a paedophile—someone who professed to be a Christian—Carolyn Kristos French has turned her pain into purpose.

In her powerful debut book, Explosion of Hope: Poetry & Prose for the Soul, Carolyn offers readers more than just words on a page—she delivers a message of restoration, resilience, and, most of all, hope.

Explosion of Hope is a deeply personal collection born from Carolyn’s own journey through trauma, faith, and healing. Written during a time of intense emotional and spiritual recovery, her work weaves raw honesty with divine encouragement. The pages echo with joy, longing, lament, and redemption—a reflection of the heart of a woman seeking peace amid life-shattering circumstances.

“This book is for anyone who feels like hope has run dry,” Carolyn shares. “Whether your wounds are fresh or buried deep, I want people to know they are not alone—and that God is able to restore and raise them up from even the lowest point.”

Carolyn’s story doesn’t end with tragedy. After the death of her first husband, she married a godly man who loved her with deep, unconditional love—a love that reflected the heart of God. This beautiful chapter was short-lived, however, as her second husband later passed away from cancer. Yet even in grief and further familial intimidation, Carolyn clung to the God who never left her side.

“His love showed me what a Christian husband was truly meant to be,” she says. “It gave me the courage to keep speaking, writing, and sharing about the kind of hope that transcends circumstances.”

Explosion of Hope is more than poetry—it’s a lifeline. Though written from a woman’s perspective, its message is universal. “Hope isn’t gendered,” Carolyn says. “Men need it. Women need it. When life gives us lemons, God can still make something beautiful.”

This is not a story of victimhood—it’s a testimony of victory.

Connect with Carolyn Kristos French and purchase Explosion of Hope: Poetry & Prose for the Soul through her Facebook page: facebook.com/hopeinkristos

Explosion of Hope, published by Ark House, is available globally on Amazon.com, Amazon.com.au and from a range of booksellers in both paperback and eBook formats.

god bod

New Book God Bod: Watch Your Wait by Tim and Ronetta Cartwright Calls Believers to Train Their Spirit, Not Just Their Body

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Dover, Delaware, June 13, 2025 — In a culture obsessed with physical fitness and instant results, God Bod: Watch Your Wait by husband-and-wife authors Tim and Ronetta Cartwright delivers a powerful message: true transformation starts with building spiritual strength.

Combining biblical insight, honest storytelling and practical lessons, God Bod guides readers on how to develop spiritual discipline in today’s distracted world. The book centers on the cautionary tale of Lot, often overshadowed by his wife’s shocking fate, but whose own decisions deeply shaped generations. Tim and Ronetta Cartwright unpack how modern believers can make intentional, faith-filled choices that protect their purpose and legacy.

The Cartwrights introduce the unique ideas of being “overwait” or “underwait” spiritually, concepts that reveal how believers can be burdened or depleted in ways similar to physical fitness challenges but often overlooked. Understanding these states helps readers recognize where they need growth and realignment in their spiritual walk.

“Your delay might be divine; God could be strengthening your spirit while the world only sees your weight,” says co-author Tim Cartwright. “This book is a guide for those ready to stop rushing and start growing, learning how waiting with intention is a vital part of spiritual strength and transformation,” adds co-author Ronetta Cartwright.

The Cartwrights wrote God Bod after a year of personal growth, marriage refinement and ministry challenges. They observed many people chasing external results while neglecting their inner spiritual posture. This book was born from their journey of learning to wait well and train the spirit amidst life’s delays.

Readers of God Bod will discover how to:

  • Wait well during seasons of frustration without losing faith
  • Identify and overcome spiritual “weight gain” caused by unaddressed disobedience or complacency
  • Understand why physical fitness goals often mask deeper spiritual hunger
  • Embrace the power of obedience to heal family wounds and influence future generations

This book is perfect for anyone new to walking with God or for those who have been running the race for a long time but want to power up and strengthen their relationship with God.

Early readers have praised God Bod for its insightful and inspiring message:

“What an incredible read! This book offers a powerful perspective on what it truly means to be in shape, spiritually. The authors brilliantly draw parallels between physical workouts and the discipline required to strengthen our spiritual lives.”

Tim and Ronetta Cartwright are faith leaders, entrepreneurs and Bible educators based in Dover, Delaware. Through God Bod, they invite readers to confront hidden struggles, deepen their walk with God and build a lasting spiritual impact.

God Bod: Watch Your Wait is available now in both eBook and paperback formats.

Connect with the authors:
Email: us@thecartwrighters.com
Facebook: facebook.com/cartwright.timothy | facebook.com/iamronetta

Speaking engagements and interviews are available upon request.

christian real estate network

Christian Real Estate Agents Find Christian Mortgage Lender in New Partnership

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) and the Christian Real Estate Network (CREN) have partnered together to help Christians honor their faith throughout the homebuying journey.

CREN connects buyers with a nationwide network of over 4,000 real estate agents. Through a simple online search, homebuyers get matched with an agent who shares their Biblical values. These agents are dedicated to providing godly counsel, as well as helping their clients steward the resources God has given them. This is why the partnership with Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) is a natural fit.

CCCU has been uniquely serving Christians for over 68 years with competitive banking products, including mortgages and HELOC’s. “With this partnership, a home buyer can experience a completely faith-driven and faith-aligned process from start to finish, and that is truly unique,” says Nick Lacy, CCCU AVP of Marketing.

In addition to finding an agent, a home buyer will have the ability to get connected to CCCU directly to learn more about their mortgage and HELOC options. “We have made significant efforts to ensure that our home lending products are very competitive in the market so that we can provide Christians with an incredible value,” says Mike Poirier, CCCU Senior VP of Lending.

CREN agents will also have direct access to CCCU representatives—equipping them with tools, resources, and information to better serve their clients. “The alignment between our organizations is not only clear, but also highly inspiring”, says Justin Smith who leads the Christian Real Estate Network. “We are thrilled to offer this partnership to our agents, their customers, and Christians across the U.S.”

To learn more about the Christian Real Estate Network, you can visit: www.hismove.com

To learn more about Christian Community Credit Union mortgage and HELOC options, you can visit: https://www.mycccu.com/personal/mortgages-home-equity/real-estate/

Contact
Christian Real Estate Network
Phone: 877-800-4300
Email: service@hismove.com

An Intervening Love: The Mystery of God’s Providence and the Paradox of His Grace

New Title from Thomas M. Stallter An Intervening Love: The Mystery of God’s Providence and the Paradox of His Grace

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – This is the second of two books—the first is titled Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World: A Journey in the Purposes and Providence of God—intended to help longtime but tired believers and those at a distance or disenchanted with what they have seen in Christianity to know God better, to experience his grace from the inside, and to grow deep in their faith and loyalty to the God of the universe.

The 248 themes here are intended to help readers continue to become what God wants them to be in a broken world trying to make them into something else.

These words are for people who want to move from Christian routines, rituals, and information about God to flourishing faith and trust, enveloping an ongoing, intimate relationship with him in their daily lives.

For he continues to move in the history of the world he created, coming between humankind and the darkness that has settled in, offering his welcoming grace to the most unworthy, bringing freedom to the oppressed, hope to the weary, and reigniting the faith of tired Christians. It is the story of his intervening love for everyone who wants it.

Thomas M. Stallter is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he has been teaching for twenty-eight years. Before that, he and his wife were missionaries in African countries for eighteen years. He is the author of The Gap Between God and Christianity: The Turbulence of Western Culture (Resource, 2022) and Finding Freedom and Grace: A Journey in the Purposes and Providence of God (Wipf & Stock, 2024).Praise for An Intervening Love: The Mystery of God’s

Providence and the Paradox of His Grace

“In An Intervening Love, Dr. Stallter offers a compelling exploration of God’s providence and grace, cutting through the complexities of Christian life. Stallter skillfully dismantles false notions of performance-based Christianity, inviting readers to embrace a genuine relationship with God. This book is a labor of love and a peek inside Dr. Stallter’s own spiritual life founded on a deep understanding of who God is.”
—Drew Flamm, President, Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary

“In this masterpiece on Christian living, Tom Stallter pours out his heart with a sensitivity and posture of compassion that is meant to lovingly guide readers on how to walk through life experiences rooted in the word of God. Insights on how to live a genuine Christ-like life in this dark and deceiving world permeate the book. Stallter seemingly leaves no stone unturned and no topic untouched as he weaves together spiritual discernment and nuggets of wisdom from Scripture related to a plethora of life encounters and situations.”
—Marvin J. Newell, Ambassador at Large, Missio Nexus

“An Intervening Love is a remarkable work by Thomas M. Stallter, offering a fresh, honest perspective on the Christian journey—one that moves beyond the well-worn paths of formulaic faith toward a vibrant, relational encounter with God. Stallter’s insightful reflections challenge us to let go of performance and pride and invite us instead to embrace the transformative power of God’s unconditional love and grace.”
—Charles J. Conniry Jr., President, Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon

An Intervening Love:
The Mystery of God’s Providence and the Paradox of His Grace
by Thomas M. Stallter
Wipf and Stock Publishers
9798385243419 / paperback / $59/£45/AU$92
www.wipfandstock.com

Contact Information:
Thomas M. Stallter
stallttm@grace.edu
https://amzn.to/4ksRrLh

The Great Trade

Trade Your Burdens for Breakthrough: New Book Offers Hope and Healing for Women Held Back by the Past

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Monday, June 9, 2025

Susie Lewis’s “The Great Trade” will be available tomorrow, June 10, 2025 and ebook free to download for five days through June 14, 2025.

What if the very things weighing you down—fear, shame, guilt—could be exchanged for something better? In her powerful new release, The Great Trade: Exchanging Fear, Shame, and Guilt for Freedom, author and speaker Susie Lewis invites women to do just that: lay down the burdens of their past and embrace the victorious life God intended.

Published by Redemption Press,  “The Great Trade” is a candid and hope-filled roadmap for women who feel stuck in a cycle of emotional turmoil and spiritual exhaustion. With raw honesty and biblical insight, Lewis weaves her personal journey of healing with practical steps for those ready to stop striving and start living in freedom.

Using the metaphor of a three-legged race, Lewis illustrates how emotional wounds from the past often keep us tethered and off-balance in our relationships and faith walk.

From the pain of childhood dysfunction to the ongoing battles of insecurity and self-doubt, Lewis understands the weight women carry. But she also knows the way to freedom. With her signature P.A.U.S.E. process, she equips readers to:

  • Pause and reflect on how the past is shaping the present
  • Acknowledge emotional triggers and behavioral patterns
  • Understand the root causes of shame, fear, and guilt
  • Seek God’s healing truth
  • Embrace new life with courage and confidence

Whether you’ve asked yourself, “Why do I keep doing the things I don’t want to do?” or silently struggled with the belief that you’re just not good enough, “The Great Trade” is the lifeline you’ve been waiting for.

This book is for the woman who feels stuck. Who’s tired of hiding. Who longs for freedom. You don’t have to run your race bound by pain. God has a crown of victory waiting for you!

Susie Lewis’s “The Great Trade” paperback will be available on Tuesday, June 10; with the e-book free to download on Amazon for 5 days, Tuesday, June 10 through June 14, 2025. “The Great Trade” debuted to rave reviews! Here’s what just a couple of the reviewers have said:

Tracey
5 Stars I couldn’t put it down!
The Great Trade is an amazing story of God’s redemption. I love the author’s honesty as she exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, what she reveals most of all is God’s glory. God takes every broken piece and puts it back together. This is a book worth reading. I couldn’t put it down!

Denise
5 Stars Susie speaks and writes from her heart
We need more Susie’s in the world! Susie is authentic, sincere, and courageous. Susie speaks and writes from her heart with the intent to undo the aloneness those carrying wounds from complex trauma often experience. She uses her story to glorify God and to lead the way for others to come out from behind the shadows of shame and pain to find healing, redemption, restoration, and freedom. Susie exemplifies what healing can look like … Thank you Susie for writing this book. I will definitely be using it in my counseling practice to support my clients as they also pursue healing.

For interviews, contact: susie@susielewis.net

Website: www.susielewis.net

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susie Lewis is a dynamic Christian speaker, Bible teacher, and author who inspires women to embrace and apply the truths found in God’s Word.  With a degree in Biblical Studies and over 25 years serving as a pastor’s wife and ministry leader, Susie infuses her messages with deep, biblical insights and personal anecdotes. With humor, transparency, and Christ-centered teachings, Susie connects women with Christ and each other. Susie and her husband enjoy spending time in God’s creation, being with family, and working on their hobby farm.

Pastor Richard Amoaye


10 Years of Power: Sydney’s Testimony Hub Celebrates a Decade of God’s Faithfulness and Impact

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Testimony Hub is preparing to celebrate a major spiritual milestone with the 10th Edition of its annual Power Conference, taking place 7–13 July 2025. From its base in Wetherill Park, the church has grown into a multi-campus community known for transforming lives, helping people know God, and empowering families to live with purpose.

This year’s celebration is more than an anniversary—it is a testament to God’s ongoing work through His people. Across campuses, testimonies abound of lives changed: those once bound by illness now walking in healing, individuals who have found purpose starting businesses, mentoring the next generation, and building strong, faith-filled homes.

What makes this movement distinctive is its commitment to wholistic transformation. Alongside a strong emphasis on prayer and spiritual growth, Testimony Hub runs initiatives that meet practical community needs:

  • A food pantry offering groceries to families doing it tough,
  • A vibrant New Year’s Eve fireworks event following the Watch Night service, drawing hundreds from the local area,
  • Family and cultural celebration events that honour diversity and foster unity among over 17 nationalities represented in the church.

“Our mission has always been to help people know God, walk in wholeness, and be firmly rooted in purpose,” says Pastor Richard Amoaye. “This conference marks ten years of seeing that mission bear fruit—not just inside our walls, but out in the world.”

This year’s Power Conference promises unique sessions with a clear focus for each day, equipping attendees to walk in power and purpose. Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning, there’s something new to receive.

Testimony Hub invites believers and seekers alike to join in this time of reflection, encounter, and celebration. 

Image credit for all images: Testimony Hub
Wetherill Park, Sydney. Photo: TM

For more information, testimonies, or interviews, contact:
Romina Blankson
office@godspowerministries.org | 0415 300 482
TESTIMONYHUB.COM.AU | FACEBOOK.COM/TESTIMONYHUBSYD | YOUTUBE.COM/@101THUB

blake the bear

Discover the Heart of Montana Through the Eyes of Its Wildlife in Blake the Bear


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Montana native Edie Vogel draws deep inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of her home state—its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the quiet wonder of nature just outside her door.

Her love for the outdoors led her to create stories that reflect the richness of Montana’s wilderness and the life lessons it offers.

In Blake the Bear, Edie brings to life a cast of endearing characters—each one loosely inspired by people, stories, and experiences from her own journey. Every book in her series follows a central character navigating a personal challenge, echoing the everyday struggles we all face. Through resilience, discovery, and heart, her characters learn, grow, and ultimately find their way.

“Montana is such a beautiful and diverse place,” Edie shares. “It’s easy to fall in love with its animals and landscapes—and that love naturally poured into my storytelling.”

More than just charming tales, Edie’s books offer meaningful takeaways. Each story concludes with discussion questions and thoughtfully chosen scripture verses, inviting parents and children to reflect together on themes like belonging, courage, and faith. These gentle prompts encourage deeper conversations, helping young readers connect the story to their own lives.

“It would mean the world to me for my book to end up in the laps of children reading with their loved ones,” Edie says.

An educator for 18 years and a mother of two, Edie understands the power of stories to teach and inspire. Collaborating with her sister, illustrator Sarah Broesder, brought an added layer of magic to the project. Sarah’s vibrant illustrations breathe life into each character, capturing their spirit and personality with warmth and whimsy.

Blake the Bear, published by Ark House, follows the success of Abby the Antelope, another beloved character drawn from the sisters’ shared experiences growing up in Montana.

Now available globally, Blake the Bear is a heartfelt celebration of nature, family, and faith—perfect for families looking to inspire meaningful conversations with their children.

Learn more, or make contact with Edie Vogel at edievogel.com. 

2025 selah awards

Redemption Press authors celebrate big wins at 2025 Selah Awards … including Nonfiction Book Of The Year

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – GILBERT, AZ – In a powerful display of publishing excellence rooted in purpose, Redemption Press authors brought home top honors at the 2025 Selah Awards, including the prestigious Nonfiction Book of the Year … a recognition typically dominated by traditional publishing houses.

This year’s wins underscore the significance of a hybrid publisher committed to both editorial excellence and Kingdom impact. Among 700+ entries across all genres, Redemption Press authors were recognized in multiple categories. See below for full list of awards.

In a meaningful show of support, Redemption Press ownership team Athena Dean Holtz, Carol Tetzlaff, and Shelly Brown flew in from across the country to stand alongside and celebrate the authors they’ve championed, from nominations to final announcements and victorious wins. Their presence was a tangible expression of how Redemption Press champions not only publishing excellence but also the hearts and callings of the authors behind every story.

“This isn’t just about recognition; it’s about redemption,” said Athena Dean Holtz, founder and publisher. “We are relentless in our pursuit of quality and mission. These wins are a testament to that vision, and to the authors who courageously share their stories for God’s glory.”

From debut voices to seasoned storytellers, Redemption Press continues to equip authors to publish with purpose, excellence, and integrity—earning awards that honor not only craft but also calling.

About Redemption Press:
Redemption Press is a Christian custom collaborative hybrid publisher committed to helping authors bring their God-given messages to life with excellence and authenticity. Blending ministry with professionalism, they offer biblically sound, high-quality publishing solutions for ministry-minded communicators.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Redemption Press
360-226-3488
info@Redemption-Press.com

SHORT STORIES IN PRINT AND ONLINE

First Place (Gold): Hello in There by Samuel L. Blumenthal

Second Place (Silver): Long Black Veil by Samuel L. Blumenthal

Editors: Jennifer Edwards and Dori Harrell

GENERAL NONFICTION BOOKS

Second Place (Silver): Classroom Tapestry: Weaving the Hearts, Souls, and Minds of Students by Lori DeJong

Editor: Kathy Ide

MEMOIR

First Place (Gold): Giving Up Grace: A Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul by Robin Gerblick

Second Place (Silver): A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments by Amanda Scarborough

Editors: Eva Marie Everson (Gerblick), Jennifer Edwards (Scarborough)

SELAH BOOK OF THE YEAR – NONFICTION

Giving Up Grace: A Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul by Robin Gerblick

Publisher: Redemption Press

Editor: Eva Marie Everson

holy ghost mama

Broadcaster Shares Life Lessons from Being Raised by a “Holy Ghost Mama”

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – “God is real. He’s also a snitch,” says broadcaster and comedienne Sherri Lynn, who learned this lesson early from her loving but straight-talking, praying single mama. The producer and cohost of the nationally syndicated Brant Hansen Show and The Brant and Sherri Oddcast shares the story of her upbringing in a new release, Holy Ghost Mama (Redemption Press).

If Sherri was someplace she was not supposed to be or doing something she wasn’t supposed to do, Mama Bev would find her out. How? The Lord would tell her. Mama Bev was so close to God that he’d confide in her. Mama Bev’s watchful eye and words of wisdom always seem to be three steps ahead of her children’s every move.

About her mother, Sherri Lynn writes, “She would say she made plenty of mistakes. But, honestly, I can’t recall them. I just knew I had a mom who walked with God, what I later would define as a ‘Holy Ghost Mama.’ I really thought everyone had a mom who was led by the Spirit and committed to bringing her children up in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6).”

The poignant, hilarious, and heartwarming stories in Holy Ghost Mama: 21 Old School Lessons That Saved My Life are more than a chronicle of Sherri Lynn’s experiences growing up. They share the wisdom she learned from her mama about knowing who you are; defending yourself when needed; treating others with kindness, compassion, and generosity; second chances; the power of forgiveness; and how love always wins.

###

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sherri Lynn is a broadcaster, writer, comedienne, and former youth pastor. She produces and cohosts the nationally syndicated Brant Hansen Show and The Brant and Sherri Oddcast. The writer and producer of a comedy DVD, The Very Funny Church Comedy Show: Together We Laugh, she wrote and starred in the stage play musical The Bold and the Sanctified, also starring American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, and authored the book I Want to Punch You in the Face but I Love Jesus. She’s also the creator and host of the limited podcast series Snacks & Good Company.

For interviews, contact sherri@branthansen.com

Social media links:
Website: https://iamsherrilynn.com/
Facebook: @iamsherrilynn
Instagram: @iamsherrilynn
Twitter @iamsherrilynn

Suggested Interview Questions

  1. Do you think the way you were raised is unusual? Or do you meet others who were raised this way or are raising their children this way?
  2. Some call them “church ladies”—you call your mama a “Holy Ghost Mama.” Can you tell us just what you mean by that?
  3. Can you tell us a bit of your mama’s story?
  4. How did your mama handle your decision to go into the arts when you had a scholarship to university? Is she proud of you now with a nationally syndicated broadcast?
  5. Tell us about an instance when you rebelled against your mama’s teaching and how she handled that.
  6. What’s the one lesson that Miss Bev taught you that stands out to you?
  7. You also are the author of I Want to Punch You in the Face but I Love Jesus. Do you have any other writing projects or theater productions in the works that you can tell us about?
for whom my heart yearns

Historical Romance Weaves Intrigue, Escape, and Enduring Faith in “For Whom My Heart Yearns”

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Author Sandra Schoger Foster delivers a sweeping tale of love, danger, and divine providence in 1920s Romania and beyond.

United States—Monday, June 2, 2025

Sandra Schoger Foster “For Whom My Heart Yearns” will be available tomorrow, June 3, 2025 and ebook free to download for five days through June 7, 2025.

Against the backdrop of post–World War I Europe, “For Whom My Heart Yearns” by Sandra Schoger Foster invites readers on a suspense-filled journey that spans continents, cultures, and matters of the heart. Set in 1924 Romania, this historical fiction novel introduces Annalise Reinhardt, a young woman who cherishes her life of music and nature – until an unexpected tragedy forces her and her guardian to flee for their lives.

What follows is a compelling transatlantic escape that unfolds aboard trains, steamships, and finally at Ellis Island. Along the way, Annalise encounters two men – Carl Schuster and Razvan Pacula – whose destinies are forever linked by a shared secret and a growing affection for the same woman.

“What a riveting story filled with so many great twists and turns,” says Mary Rice Hopkins, recording artist, songwriter, TV host, and author.

But this is more than a historical romance. Woven into the fabric of the story is the question every heart faces in times of upheaval: Can we trust God when everything familiar is stripped away? With rich detail and spiritual depth, “For Whom My Heart Yearns” explores what it means to surrender to God’s leading – even when the path seems unclear and love seems out of reach.

Whether you’re drawn to stories of immigrant journeys, captivated by tales of romance amid turmoil, or simply longing for fiction that inspires deeper faith, “For Whom My Heart Yearns” will speak to your soul.

Sandra Foster’s paperback will be available on Tuesday, June 3 with the e-book free to download on Amazon for 5 days, Tuesday, June 3 through June 7, 2025.

For interviews, please contact: sanfos@aol.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Schoger Foster is the author of the gift books Daddy, Will You Dance with Me? and Daddy, Will You Play Catch with Me? She is a contributor to Family Man: The Biography of Dr. James Dobson, by Dale Buss; two chapters in Making the Blue Plate Special: The Joy of Family Legacies, by Florence Littauer, Marita Littauer, and Lauren Littauer Briggs; and Bein’ a Grandparent Isn’t for Wimps, by Karen O’Conner, and she has written articles for various publications, as well as her monthly church magazine Connections (now discontinued). She and her husband, Raymond, live in southern California along with family members close by.