Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt honesty, Hill shares how God’s presence sustained her through family trauma, divorce, betrayal, and rebuilding life from the ground up—revealing a God who never walks away, even when everything else does.
Part memoir and part devotional, A Long Promise reminds readers that faith isn’t about having perfect peace but about holding on to the One who promises to never let go. Each chapter weaves personal experience with biblical truth, helping readers
• recognize God’s hand in heartbreak, disappointment, and silence;
• find strength to forgive and courage to begin again;
• trust God’s timing when life feels uncertain;
• see that no story is too broken for redemption; and
• remember that His promises are not short; they are lifelong.
“When life falls apart, God’s promises still hold,” says Hill. “Even when I couldn’t see Him, He was there, faithful through every chapter.”
A Long Promise is available through Redemption Press, Amazon, and other major book retailers.
About the Author
Denice Hill is a writer, hairstylist, and ministry volunteer who has witnessed God’s faithfulness firsthand through seasons of heartbreak, rebuilding, and redemption. A single mother turned encourager and mentor, Denice has served in women’s prison and homeless ministries, sharing hope with those who feel forgotten. Her life and writing reflect one truth: God’s promises never fail, no matter how long the journey. Denice lives in Washington State with her husband, Jay.
For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact: Denice Hill
Email: deniceandersen@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DeniceHill
Instagram: @denicehillministries
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Gilbert, AZ — April 28, 2026 — What if the greatest need of the church today is not more activity, but a clearer vision of who God truly is?
In his new devotional theology, No One Like Him (Redemption Press, 2026), pastor and worship leader Keith McMinn invites readers to slow down, be still, and behold the greatness of God. Through Scripture-rich reflection and pastoral insight, McMinn explores the attributes of God—His holiness, sovereignty, power, presence, and faithfulness—revealing how a deeper knowledge of God transforms worship, trust, and daily faith.
Written with both theological clarity and a shepherd’s heart, No One Like Him bridges doctrine and devotion, helping believers move beyond surface-level faith into reverent awe.
Designed for personal reflection, family devotion, or group study, the book encourages readers to rediscover stillness in a noisy world and anchor their faith in the unchanging character of God.
“When we lose sight of who God is, worship becomes routine,” says McMinn. “But when we behold His greatness, faith is strengthened and reverence is restored.”
No One Like Him is available through Redemption Press, Amazon, and other major retailers.
About the Author
Keith McMinn is a pastor, worship leader, academy director, and theologian who is passionate about helping the church recover a deep reverence for God. With advanced theological training from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and years of ministry experience, he writes with pastoral warmth and doctrinal depth. Keith hosts the Moments of Worship podcast and leads the Abide in God ministry, equipping individuals and churches to grow in faith, trust, and worship rooted in truth.
For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact: Keith McMinn
Email: keith@abideingod.org
Website: abideingod.org
Instagram: @abide_in_god23
Facebook: facebook.com/AbideinGod23
Four years ago she was in end-stage anorexia caught in a relentless merry-go-round of self-harm, starvation and psychiatric hospitalisations. Earlier this month, she captivated judges Andrea Lam and Guy Sebastien, declaring her “..the best pianist we have heard…” after her virtuosic performance of Ravel’s Jeux d’Eau on ABC’s acclaimed documentary series, The Piano.
Alys, a mum, wife and carer living in Ringwood, Melbourne has a story that will bring hope and healing to anyone finding themselves in a place of darkness and despair.
Talent-scouted as a gifted musician at the age of 9, Alys won scholarships at two of the most prestigious music schools in Britain.
But it was not the dream that might have been. At just 14, overwhelmed by the intense and competitive pressure of that environment, she experienced a devastating breakdown that sparked a 30-year-long struggle with severe and enduring anorexia, complex PTSD, self-harm, and a host of other mental health challenges.
“It was very painful. I had placed all my hopes on becoming a concert pianist as a child, and I had a real chance. But I struggled being at boarding school and I slowly fell apart under the pressure.
“Initially I started skipping meals to get more practice in. But it quickly morphed into a means of numbing my emotions and calming the constant performance anxiety I experienced. I had unleashed a monster that I couldn’t stop. I plummeted to a dangerously low body weight and had to be sent home, all concerts and competitions cancelled. I saw my dreams come crashing down – at the very point I was pipped to win everything.”
Alys did not play the piano again for 30 years. “It was too painful to even look at a piano, or listen to piano music of any kind. I thought I had lost the gift, I had failed, and the grief of that was immense.”
She would spend the next three decades of her life cycling in and out of psychiatric care, getting progressively sicker.
“Treatment was, on one level a lifeline – it kept me alive when I couldn’t keep myself alive. The dedication of the doctors and nurses that worked tirelessly to try and help me was incredible. But ultimately, it was never enough to break the prison I was stuck in. In many ways I was the perfect patient – complying with most of what was asked, trying my best to engage with the therapies offered. But always I would come home and relapse. And as time went on, those relapses got worse and worse.”
By the time she hit 43, anorexia had collided with severe self-harm and Alys, with her family in tatters, had hit rock bottom.
“I was at my lowest weight ever facing another unsuccessful hospitalisation. I was sitting on the floor of my ex’s house, completely defeated. I wanted desperately to get well for my son, but I couldn’t – no matter how hard I tried. I had blown apart my marriage and lost the family I loved, all because of my illness.”
It was at that point of utter despair that Alys had what she describes as “a spiritual encounter”.
“I needed something, or someone, bigger than myself to help me turn my situation around. And I knew that no human power could do that. It was in that incredibly dark place that I became aware of a Person whom I call `The Shepherd’ in my book. It was Jesus. He was right beside me, embracing me, weeping for me. So gentle, so kind. No judgement. Just unconditional love.”
She pauses to reflect on that pivotal moment.
“He picked me up off the floor and literally loved me back to life. He helped me eat again. He brought my family back together again. And, 12 months ago, He helped me begin to play again.”
It is this `Love’ encounter that is the subject of Alys’ recently published book, Love Bade Me Eat. More than a memoir of illness and recovery, Love Bade Me Eat reveals the profound, life-giving conversations between Alys and her Saviour that made transformation possible. Delivered as a compelling and moving Love story between Alys and her Saviour, the book is also deeply practical, tackling with brave honesty topics such as body image, self harm, perfectionism, OCD, boundaries, identity, suicidality, self-hatred, trauma, and many more.
This is a book that will speak profoundly not only to those suffering with eating disorders and chronic mental health illness, but anyone desiring a more intimate and transformational relationship with Jesus.
“My journey has been a messy one… Eating disorders are a layer cake – they are so much more than isolated issues such as body image or weight. For me to recover, I needed healing for a whole heap of difficulties – PTSD, self-hatred, boundaries, OCD, perfectionism, identity confusion, self-harm… and much more. The One I write about touched each of these layers with the healing words He spoke to me. And He still does this for me when they resurface. He showed me a gentler path than the treatment I had tried so hard, and failed, at.”
The path seems to have paid off.
After decades of repeated, lengthy psychiatric hospitalisations, Alys has not had an admission for three years. Her physical health is dramatically improved and she has been free from self-harm episodes throughout that time.
“I am an ongoing work in progress – I think I always will be … I still struggle and some weeks can be harder than others. But life is very different now. My entire internal wiring has been changed. I want to live. I want to be healthy. I have energy. My capacity to dream is back. My family is together again. And – I never thought it would happen – I even got my piano back. I am so grateful for these things – it makes me cry to think about it.”
She pauses for a moment, then adds, “And I’m discovering that learning to walk loved by Him and dependent on Him, however weak I am, is of far greater importance in His eyes, than a perfect recovery. It’s a very freeing thing to know that – that love is what matters, above everything else. I hope others can be encouraged by that truth too.”
Alys’ book, Love Bade Me Eat, published by Ark House, is available in paperback and Kindle edition on Amazon. Her appearance on The Piano, episode 5, is available for viewing on Australia’s ABC iview.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – A mother’s story of endurance offers hope for families facing mental illness and relentless hardship.
Gilbert, AZ – April 27, 2026 — When the struggle doesn’t ease, and the answers don’t come, many parents and caregivers are left quietly asking how to keep going. In “The 12th Mile: When Hard Becomes Harder Still” (Redemption Press), Louise Ann Gibson shares her deeply personal journey of walking alongside her daughter through chronic mental illness while facing her own health challenges, revealing how God meets us in the moments that demand more than we feel we have left to give.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow, the reality for many families remains isolating, exhausting, and filled with uncertainty. This memoir speaks directly to those carrying the hidden weight of caregiving – parents who feel unseen, whose faith has been stretched thin, and who are searching for both reassurance and a way forward. Through the powerful metaphor of endurance running, Gibson offers a perspective shift: that the hardest seasons are not signs of failure, but places where resilience is formed and God’s presence becomes more tangible than ever.
Hard is not failure. It is formation! A steady and hard-won truth for readers in the middle of their own “harder still.” Gibson underscores that even when outcomes don’t change, a caregiver’s presence matters, and God is faithfully at work in ways they may not yet see.
Blending honest storytelling with spiritual insight, The 12th Mile extends an invitation to weary readers: to keep putting one foot in front of the other, to lift their eyes to Christ, and to discover that even here … especially here … they are not alone.
Louise Ann Gibson’s paperback will be available on April 28, 2026; with the e-book freeto download on Amazon for 5 days through May 2, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Deborah W. France 5 Stars A Different Take on the 12th Mile
A compelling story of how the author grew and learned through her own physical challenges as well as her daughter’s mental health struggles. Louise is open and honest about what she and her family faced. She took up running during this time and she shares how running helped her through those 12th miles. Her faith was also an integral part of the journey. Many chapters include suggestions on how to look further into mental and physical health and how to look up to grow closer to Jesus. The 12th Mile would be especially helpful to anyone in the midst of difficult times.
Kelly 5 Stars Our broken mental health “care”
Louise is a gifted writer. She keeps you turning pages as you learn of the struggles her family endured while walking through the pain of mental illness. In the midst of the story there is a beautiful hope woven through and an obvious deep faith. If the broken mental health “care” system has let you down too, and if you need some fresh hope, you’ll want to read this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Ann Gibson is a passionate storyteller, caregiver, and runner who has spent nearly fifteen years walking alongside her daughter through chronic illness while navigating her own epilepsy diagnosis. With humor, honesty, and faith, she shares how God uses unexpected tools—like running shoes—to equip us for life’s hardest miles. Louise Ann has taught, spoken, and served in schools, churches, support groups, and military bases. She lives in Michigan and loves encouraging weary hearts to persevere.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Gilbert, AZ — April 21, 2026 — What if the changes that feel unsettling to children are the very moments God uses to show His faithfulness?
In a world where children are growing up amid constant change, author and biblical speaker Vicky Wedel offers a gentle reminder of where true security is found in her new children’s picture book, Forever the Same.
Written for meaningful family read-alouds, Forever the Same helps children and the adults who love them navigate life’s transitions—moving homes, growing up, loss, and caregiving—by pointing them to Yeshua (Jesus), the One who never changes. Through everyday moments and the beauty of creation, the story reassures young hearts of God’s steady presence and faithful character.
Rooted in Scripture and written with warmth and theological care, Forever the Same is designed to support families, churches, Christian schools, and counseling ministries as they help children develop trust in God through every season of life.
Vicky Wedel has studied the Bible for over four decades and taught kindergarten Sunday school for twenty-three years. Her personal experiences with caregiving and grief shaped her desire to write a story that offers reassurance without oversimplifying life’s challenges.
Forever the Same is published by Redemption Press and is available wherever books are sold.
About the Author
Vicky Wedel is a Christ follower, Biblical speaker, and author of an adult devotional and seven children’s books. She taught kindergarten Sunday school for over twenty-three years and has studied Scripture for over four decades. Drawing from personal experiences with caregiving, loss, and family life, Vicky writes to help children and families rest in the unchanging character of Yeshua (Jesus). She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and loves learning about nature and what the Lord is doing in the lives of others.
It took a near-death experience to encourage New Zealand-based author Alastair Weir to write his much-anticipated end times book.
REVEALED – God’s Plan from Now Till Eternity is the culmination of almost 50 years of disciplined Bible study, preaching, teaching, running home groups, and church leadership in New Zealand and Asia. But before writing was added to the list, there was a near-death experience that brought his life into context. “One afternoon, sitting at home, I started to choke. It didn’t seem extraordinary at first, but I was soon on the floor and knew I was facing death,” Alastair said.
“Leading up to this, Heather, my wife, was on her way home from visiting a friend. She wanted to go to the supermarket first but felt compelled to go straight home. It was only a few minutes after she arrived before I was on the floor, gasping for air. It took 20 minutes for the first responders to arrive. I was in anaphylactic shock, not responding to any treatment. My breathing rate progressively slowed until it stopped, followed by my heart. Despite being shocked multiple times, after six minutes, the decision was made to “call it.”
“Suddenly, the lead paramedic believed he saw me take a shallow breath. They scrambled for the paddles, and whack, I was back. Not only was my body recalibrated, but my focus on life was also. The result is this book, which tells of the end of another entirely different journey, just as life-changing.”
With a second chance at life, Alastair started to reminisce about times when friends suggested he write a book over the years. There were also times, Alastair admits, when the Lord had prompted him repeatedly to write, but there just never seemed to be enough time. However, with his newfound determination to reach as many people as possible with what he had to say before it was too late, he began to write REVEALED.
As explained in the book’s Foreword, it comprises two parts. Part 2 is more extensive and written from a post-rapture perspective. Part 1 is to the Church and describes the Doctrine of the Rapture, which most Believers know little about today. For many, the book will also introduce a vast new mission field few have envisioned – those left behind at the Rapture. Its time has come, and you can be involved now.
Alastair quickly points out that it doesn’t matter if you have never considered yourself an evangelist or are housebound due to infirmity. This book is one way to leave a legacy for those left behind, or to use now to give loved ones or friends a fresh opportunity to see what lies ahead if God’s call continues to be ignored.
His heart goes out to those who have prayed over the years for loved ones. Don’t give up. This book will show those undecided the One who loves them, has called them, and pursues them without ceasing.
The book has much new and fresh information for every reader. Some of the critical topics are rarely addressed. The list that follows is only a small sampling from the book:
The Rapture and Second Coming are two different events, separated by seven years of Tribulation.!
Who are the 144,000? (Spoiler: Not evangelists.)
New details on the Magog Invasion – Ezekiel 38,39. Could it be very close?
Should we be interested in the religious Jews’ determination to build a new Temple in Jerusalem?
We know about the Antichrist, but will a false Trinity be established during the Tribulation Period.?
Who will be the Tribulation Saints’ greatest enemy? The answer will shock many.
What happens to the Jewish Nation?
The present-day mass migrations are spoken of in the Bible! How does that end up?
What becomes of the survivors of the Great Tribulation? Expect one of the bigger surprises!
Ultimately, what are we being saved from?
Alastair is well versed to write a book on end times too. Born into an evangelical family on the west coast of Scotland, he travelled to New Zealand as a young man, looking for new opportunities. Rising to the senior management level of a multinational company, Alastair and his wife and family got all the adventures they could handle, living and working in Hong Kong, Sydney, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, with responsibilities in A S E A N countries.
Free time was always prioritized to serving God in many ways, both in New Zealand and in Asia. He believes writing this book is the greatest privilege he has been given. Alastair is retired and lives near Christchurch in New Zealand. He is married to Heather, who has partnered with him throughout their service. They have two married children and five grandchildren, all living in New Zealand.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – New York, NY — April 2026 — Equipping Pastors Worldwide (EPW), www.epwusa.org, is calling attention to one of the most urgent challenges facing the global Church: a critical lack of biblical training among pastors in the fastest-growing regions of Christianity.
On April 25, 2026, EPW will host a free webinar titled “The Preparation of Pastors & the Urgency of Preaching in the Global South,” offering insight, solutions, and a pathway forward.
According to EPW, an estimated 85% of pastors in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have little to no formal biblical training. As a result, many churches are left vulnerable to false teaching, syncretism, and spiritual malnourishment.
Through this upcoming webinar, EPW will share how strategic, accessible pastoral training can strengthen churches at scale — raising up biblically grounded leaders equipped to disciple growing congregations. The session is designed for mission-minded individuals, church leaders, and organizations seeking to invest in sustainable, gospel-centered impact worldwide.
The urgency of this work is echoed by pastors themselves. One pastor from southern Nigeria, after completing EPW’s training program, shared: “We thought we knew what the church is and how to build a healthy church. We did not know.”
In addition to the webinar, EPW is rolling out new programs where U.S. churches can directly support pastor training in places where the church is suffering and threatened — such as Nigeria, South Sudan, Bhutan, and elsewhere.
EPW’s Director, Dave Holdt, will be in the United States from August 30 to September 2, 2026, meeting with partners, churches, and supporters to further advance EPW’s mission. Holdt will also be a featured speaker at Missions:Together RDU on November 7, 2026, a Missions Catalyst gathering focused on mobilizing collaborative global mission efforts.
EPW exists to equip pastors in underserved regions with the theological training and practical tools needed to lead healthy, thriving churches. By investing in local leaders, EPW is helping to ensure that the rapid growth of the global Church is matched with depth, clarity, and biblical faithfulness.
To learn more or register for the April 25 webinar, visit Equipping Pastors Worldwide at www.epwusa.org.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – What if the very place that feels like it will break you is where God wants to meet you?
Gilbert, AZ – April 20, 2026 — Author, speaker, and devotional writer Sarah Trent invites readers into an honest and deeply personal encounter with God in her new release, “Launch Out Into the Deep,” a 31-day devotional designed for believers walking through grief, waiting, and spiritual silence. Written from her own seasons of heartbreak and healing, the book offers Scripture-rich reflections that help readers rediscover God’s presence not in easy answers, but in the depths of surrender.
At a time when many Christians feel pressure to maintain a polished faith while quietly carrying disappointment or loss, “Launch Out Into the Deep” speaks directly to the tension between belief and pain. Rather than offering quick fixes, Trent creates space for readers to wrestle honestly with God, reminding them that silence does not mean absence, and that faith is often formed, not fractured, in the deep places of life.
Trent wrote “Launch Out Into the Deep” during seasons when God felt silent and answers were hard to find, with a desire for weary and unseen readers to discover that His presence remains, right in the middle of the deep, which was never meant to drown them, but to meet them.
Sarah Trent’s print copy will be available on April 21, 2026; with the e-book freeto download on Amazon for 5 days through April 25, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Melody
5 Stars Beauty From Ashes
I have been inspired by the writings of Sarah Trent for about 6 months now, after a friend posted on FB, her page. Her heart poured out on these pages is encouraging and thoughtful. When I have struggled with my own hopelessness, and my husband’s recent Cancer diagnosis, I remember God will always come through…BEAUTY FROM ASHES. I look forward to each days devotional, and the thought provoking questions that follow….I have no doubt you will be inspired too.
Kim Snyder
5 Stars
Great valuable lessons What a blessing and comfort this devotion has brought me. These daily devotions have spoken directly to my heart. God has used this book to uplift and encourage my spirit. I have recommended to many sisters in Christ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Trent is a writer, speaker, and photographer who invites readers to meet God in the deep places of life—where faith wrestles with grief and trust is refined through surrender. Her 31-day devotional, Launch Out Into the Deep, was born from seasons of heartbreak, healing, and holy renewal. Sarah lives in East Tennessee with her husband and family, where she continues to share honest reflections that lead others closer to Jesus.
For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact: Sarah Trent
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – From the moment a 16-year-old boy first glimpsed Australia’s coastline at dawn—standing on the deck of the ocean liner Fairsky in 1960—a lifelong fascination with the far edges of the world was born.
That sense of wonder, of stepping into the unknown, now finds powerful expression in South of Warrior Reef, a richly imagined historical novel that blends adventure, faith, and forbidden love against one of the most turbulent frontiers of the 19th century.
Drawing on decades of personal experience across northern Australia and the islands of Melanesia, the author brings rare authenticity to a story shaped by both romance and reckoning. What begins as a dream of “faraway places with strange-sounding names” evolves into a deeply human exploration of culture, conflict, and courage.
Set during the late 1800s, South of Warrior Reef transports readers to the treacherous waters of the Torres Strait—a region once as perilous as it was alluring. Amid coral reefs and uncharted passages, fortune seekers, missionaries, and seafarers converged in a volatile world defined by opportunity and exploitation.
The novel does not shy away from the darker truths of this era. It confronts the brutal legacy of blackbirding—the forced recruitment of Pacific Islanders—and the cultural collisions that reshaped entire communities. Yet, within this harsh landscape, stories of extraordinary courage emerge—particularly those of missionaries and indigenous leaders who resisted injustice and sought to bring hope.
Inspired by real historical figures, including pioneering settlers and fearless missionaries, the narrative breathes life into a time when the line between heroism and hubris was often blurred.
Michael Burns is a man driven by ambition—an adventurer chasing wealth in the dangerous pearl fisheries of the north. Sele Saena is his opposite in many ways: a Polynesian princess and devoted Christian missionary, committed to her people and her calling.
Their worlds should never collide. Yet when they do, the connection is undeniable.
As their relationship deepens, they are forced to confront impossible choices—between love and duty, desire and faith, belonging and identity. The forces around them—racial tension, colonial ambition, and personal conviction—threaten to tear them apart before their story can truly begin.
While the novel’s settings include fictional locations, its emotional and historical foundations are grounded in reality.
The author’s four decades of immersion in the region—serving as a clergyman, outback minister, and army chaplain—inform every page.
Importantly, South of Warrior Reef acknowledges the complexity of its time. Its characters reflect the attitudes of the 19th century—sometimes confronting modern readers with uncomfortable truths. Yet this commitment to authenticity gives the story its power, inviting readers not just to escape into the past, but to wrestle with it.
Epic in scope yet intimate in its emotional depth, South of Warrior Reef is more than a historical novel—it is a meditation on love, faith, and the cost of standing for what is right in a world driven by greed and ambition.
From the icy southern seas to the sunlit islands of the Pacific, this is a story that will transport readers—and stay with them long after the final page.
For readers of sweeping historical fiction, unforgettable romance, and stories that dare to tell the truth, South of Warrior Reef, published by Ark House, is a journey worth taking.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Mercer Island, WA—Best Christian Workplaces is pleased to announce the appointment of Faith Gaines as Vice President of Consulting. She will serve on the senior leadership team. Faith brings extensive global consulting and executive leadership experience from her tenure at Gallup, where she led employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational health initiatives across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Throughout her career, Faith has directed large-scale engagement surveys and 360 leadership assessment programs, coached senior executives, and built high-performing consulting teams. Known for translating complex data into actionable strategies, her work has helped organizations improve retention, strengthen culture, and accelerate business and ministry performance. She also served in executive director roles overseeing regional growth strategies and client partnerships, with consistent, high-impact results.
Deeply committed to helping organizations flourish, Faith is passionate about building thriving workplaces and is excited to align her experience with Best Christian Workplace’s Christ-centered mission.
“Faith brings exceptional global leadership experience, strategic clarity, and a genuine heart for people,” says Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces. “Her appointment strengthens our commitment to serve Ministry Partners with excellence and to continue equipping Christian-led organizations to build flourishing, Christ-centered workplace cultures.”
As she steps into this role, Faith reflects on the importance of equipping leaders to cultivate strong, healthy, Christ-centered cultures: “Throughout my career, I’ve seen organizations thrive when leaders have the clarity and support they need to build strong, healthy cultures. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that experience to Best Christian Workplaces and to partner with ministries that are making meaningful kingdom impact.”
Best Christian Workplaces also extends heartfelt thanks to Giselle Jenkins and Cary Humphries, who faithfully served as Interim Co-Consulting Directors over the past year, helping guide this transition. They will resume their roles as Senior Consultants and Sector Leaders, continuing to serve Ministry Partners with excellence.
In conjunction with this senior leadership change, Robert Wachter, formerly Global Marketing Director, will serve as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. These changes to the senior leadership team equip Best Christian Workplaces to continue serving Ministry Partners and position the organization for strategic future growth.
Best Christian Workplaces looks forward to its next chapter of growth and impact in helping Christian-led organizations set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world.
We equip and inspire Christian leaders to build an engaged, flourishing workplace. We believe that Christian-led workplaces can set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world. Our proven three-phase process of Discover, Build, and Grow takes the guesswork out of building a flourishing workplace culture. Best Christian Workplaces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – A warm, story-driven approach invites readers to rediscover Scripture as a personal conversation with God.
Gilbert, AZ – April 13, 2026 — Author Candace Pope invites readers into a fresh and deeply personal experience of Scripture with her new book, Dear Diary: A Peak into the diaries of Biblical people (Redemption Press).
Through imaginative diary entries written from the perspective of biblical figures, Pope helps readers step inside familiar stories and encounter God’s Word in a way that feels both intimate and alive. At a time when many believers feel disconnected or overwhelmed in their Bible reading, this devotional offers a gentle, relational path back.
For many women, Bible study has slowly shifted from something life-giving to something that feels like a task to complete. They love God’s Word, yet it can feel distant, difficult, or even discouraging to engage consistently. Dear Diarymeets readers in that tension, offering a refreshing alternative—one that replaces pressure with presence.
By bringing the emotions, struggles, and humanity of people like Ruth, Abigail, and Nicodemus into focus, Pope helps readers see how God’s story intersects with their own, turning routine reading into a meaningful, ongoing conversation.
Drawing from her own journey through loss, faith, and renewal, Pope writes with warmth and authenticity, reminding readers that connection with God was never meant to feel out of reach. Bible study becomes less about getting it “right” and more about slowing down, listening, and enjoying time with Him. As Pope shares, “Bible study isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When we slow down and imagine ourselves in God’s story, we begin to see that He’s been in ours all along.”
Candace Pope’s print copy will be available on April 14, 2026; with the e-book freeto download on Amazon for 5 days through April 18, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Jill Smith 5 Stars Great for small group study
What a wonderful book that dig deeper in the stories of the Bible. This would be perfect for a small group study. A very easy read, perfect for family time and the author puts you in the middle of the scene even if you have or have not heard their story before.
Amazon Customer 5 Stars Easy but thoughtful read.
This a really unique way to read all the stories I’ve read in the Bible. It brings the people to life and it’s interesting to look at the events from their perspective. I’m going to recommend this book to our small group. I think it will bring about some good discussions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candace Pope is a retired registered nurse, entrepreneur, and storyteller who loves helping others find joy in God’s Word. Having walked through seasons of loss and renewal, she writes with authenticity and warmth born from hard-won faith. Now living in South Carolina, Candace enjoys golf, laughter, and connecting with others through her writing and women’s ministry.
For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact:
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Jacksonville, FL – Through the lens of a storyteller with the heart of an explorer, The Uncommon Adventures of a Common Manis a photographic journey through the parched deserts of Namibia to the hidden tributaries of the Amazon, from war-torn streets of Eastern Europe to the sacred stones of Jerusalem.
This book is captivating and dangerous! If your life in Christ is best defined as a polite one, you are in for a radical awakening when you read The Uncommon Adventure of a Common Man. Your awakening will come by seeing and reading the journeys of an “ordinary” businessman whose passion for Christ led him to be an expression of God’s love in over seventy nations!
Michael did not just go to the great churches and conferences of the world to speak alongside the notables. His journeys took him to humble people and hungry leaders in remote places where most will never go.
As you read this book, understand that it is about Heaven’s request for someone to go where most would not go, and the response of a man who said, “I’ll go, send me.” That simple response has given Michael a life of supernatural significance. I recommend you take this journey around the world with a “common man” who has an “uncommon life”.
If you have the courage to read this book and take this journey with Michael, then consider it as your invitation to live an “uncommon life” with a remarkable God. – Paul L. Cuny, Author and President of MarketPlace Leadership International
Now Available on Amazon:
Hardcover-$34.99; Paperback-$24.99; Kindle-$9.99
Michael Cardy In 1976, when Michael responded to the call of God in his heart, he could not have known the path his life would take him traveling to sixty-nine countries with over two hundred trips. Earning an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his work in Leadership Development in Eastern Europe and was ordained as a pastor before his global work with Samaritan’s Purse. Michael is married for 46 years to his patient and steadfast wife Nancy, with two adult children and one granddaughter. Most importantly, he has been a follower of Jesus for 50 years and counting.
Michael is also President of REV22, LLC which is globally focused with experience in 70+ countries providing resources and delivering clarity and direction to companies, specializing in developing collaborative initiatives across cultures. To know more about Rev22, LLC please visit: https://revtwentytwo.com/ or email Michael at: mcardy@.revtwentytwo.com
All are invited to join Michael for his virtual book launch this Saturday April 11 @ 1 PM EST. The author will not only speak about his amazing global adventures but answer questions. Access the book launch at the following ZOOM link: Michael Cardy Book Launch.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS If your organization or church would enjoy an evening of stories of miraculous healings and spiritual awakenings from common men and women throughout the world please contact Micheal @ mcardy@.revtwentytwo.com
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Samuel Lee, a theologian and public voice in the Netherlands, calls for renewal within global Pentecostalism
Amsterdam, April 9, 2026 — Samuel Lee, a theologian and public voice in the Netherlands, has published a new theological statement titled “A Call to Pentecostals: A Confession of Renewed Pentecostalism,” marking 120 years since the Azusa Street Revival.
The text is a personal and ecclesial confession, written not as a rejection of Pentecostalism, but as a call to renewal from within. It invites Pentecostal and Charismatic communities worldwide to return to what Lee describes as the heart of the movement: a faith that is Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and grounded in love, humility, and justice.
A Call from Within
In his confession, Lee reflects critically on developments within parts of contemporary Pentecostalism, including:
• performance-driven expressions of faith
• prosperity-centered teaching
• the neglect of the vulnerable and marginalized
• the tendency to spiritualize real human suffering
Rather than addressing these issues from a distance, the text speaks as a voice from within the movement—rooted in commitment, not detachment.
“Pentecost without justice becomes performance, and spirituality without love becomes noise,” Lee writes.
Returning to the Spirit of Azusa
The confession draws inspiration from the early Pentecostal movement, particularly the Azusa Street Revival, which was marked by radical inclusivity across racial, social, and gender boundaries.
Lee argues that this original vision calls for renewed attention today—not through nostalgia, but through honest reflection and lived practice. He emphasizes a form of faith that reconnects spiritual experience with everyday life, social responsibility, and the dignity of all people.
Relevance in a Changing Society
The publication also speaks into broader societal questions. In contexts such as the Netherlands and wider Europe—where migration, diversity, and social inequality shape public life—faith communities are increasingly challenged to engage meaningfully with these realities.
Lee’s work reflects a wider theological concern: that faith should not remain abstract or inward-looking, but embodied in concrete acts of presence, justice, and solidarity.
An Invitation to Dialogue
The confession is intended as a starting point for conversation rather than a final statement. Lee explicitly invites pastors, theologians, and believers to engage with the text within their own communities.
“This is not about responding to me,” he notes, “but about speaking honestly with one another.”
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Gilbert, AZ — When life leaves us weary, anxious, or spiritually dry, where can we turn for renewal? Author Janice Wermann believes the answer flows straight from the heart of God—and she explores it beautifully in her debut devotional, Water of Life (Redemption Press).
Through vivid imagery, reflection questions, and heartfelt prayers, Water of Life takes readers on a journey through the Bible’s many references to water—storms that protect, wells that provide, rivers that restore, and the Living Water that satisfies our deepest thirst. Rather than offering heavy theology, Wermann provides a gentle, creative devotional that helps readers rest in Abba’s love, leave the past behind, and discover lasting renewal in Christ.
“Many of us have read these stories for years, but when we slow down and notice the golden thread of water imagery, the Scriptures come alive with fresh hope and meaning,” Wermann shares.
With built-in study questions, Water of Life is perfect for personal devotions, women’s Bible study groups, or anyone longing to encounter God’s Word in a more intimate way. It is a must-read for those seeking peace, encouragement, and spiritual refreshment in a world that often leaves us parched.
About the Author
Janice Wermann is a writer, artist, and lifelong student of Scripture who brings her love of literary analysis and creativity into every page of her work. With a degree in English Literature from Seattle Pacific University and over 30 years of experience as a technical writer, she combines clarity and imagination to help readers engage deeply with the Bible. Janice lives in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys her family, painting, journaling word studies, and reflecting on God’s grace.
Ordering Information
Water of Life is available now through Redemption Press, Amazon, and other major retailers.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – New book helps parents turn Communion into a natural, everyday rhythm of faith at home
Gilbert, AZ – April 6, 2026 — A growing number of Christian parents feel the weight of wanting to pass on a lasting faith—yet aren’t sure how to explain deeper spiritual truths in ways their children can understand. In her new book, “Communion Along the Way: A Playful Study of the Lord’s Supper” (Redemption Press, 2026), author and ministry leader Joy Wendling offers a thoughtful and practical path forward, helping families rediscover Communion not just as a church practice, but as a meaningful part of daily life.
Rather than presenting discipleship as something formal or complicated, Wendling meets parents in the reality of everyday rhythms. Many feel underprepared to answer spiritual questions or unsure how to make faith conversations feel natural at home. “Communion Along the Way” addresses that tension directly, guiding parents into a deeper understanding of the Lord’s Supper while equipping them to share it with their children through simple, relational moments. Through her Love, Teach, Play framework, Wendling shows how curiosity, connection, and conversation can become the foundation for faith that lasts beyond childhood.
Drawing from more than twenty years of experience in children and family ministry—as well as her own life as a mother of five—Wendling traces the story of bread and wine throughout Scripture, helping parents grow in confidence and clarity. The book emphasizes that discipleship doesn’t require perfect answers, but begins with a parent’s own relationship with God and naturally extends into the lives of their children.
Discipleship, Wendling explains, does not begin with having all the answers but with a genuine love for God and a willingness to invite children into that relationship along the way.
Rooted in Deuteronomy 6 and designed for real life, “Communion Along the Way” helps families move from pressure to peace—transforming car rides, mealtimes, and bedtime routines into meaningful spaces where faith is formed. With developmentally appropriate conversations, interactive activities, and Scripture-rich insight, the book invites both parents and children to experience Communion as part of God’s larger story of redemption, not just a moment observed in church.
Joy Wendling’s paperback will be available on April 7, 2026; with the e-book freeto download on Amazon for 5 days through April 11, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Nancy L
5 Stars Your kids will thank you!
This is a wonderful book! Interacting with our kids on spiritual matters; meeting them right where they are! Kids like to play… by the way, so do adults! So many hidden gems in here and great ideas and ways to share important biblical truths to young minds!
Aloysia Tennial
5 Stars Yes and Amen!
Communion Along the Way is a thoughtful and accessible resource for families who want to help their children understand the beauty and meaning of Communion. Joy does an excellent job connecting Scripture to everyday rhythms in a way that feels both practical and spiritually rich. What I appreciated most is how this book makes discipleship feel doable not overwhelming. The activities and conversations are developmentally appropriate and rooted in biblical truth, helping families move beyond tradition into meaningful understanding that will be passed down for generations! As someone who is leading the next generation I’m so thankful for this resource!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joy Wendling is a writer, a speaker, a podcaster, and the founder of Created to Play. She holds a master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing her PhD in educational studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she serves as resource coordinator at the Center for Faith and Children. With over twenty years of experience in children, youth, and family ministry, Joy is passionate about helping parents disciple their children through meaningful connection and play. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five daughters. Connect with Joy at CreatedtoPlay.com, on Substack @createdtoplay, and on her podcast, Playfully Faithful Parenting.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – A retired attorney’s new book equips believers to move from awareness to meaningful response
Gilbert, AZ – April 6, 2026 — Redemption Press announces the release of Noonday Light: Mobilizing the Church to Fight Modern Slavery by retired antitrafficking attorney Dan Stephenson. Drawing from more than sixteen years of legal experience and ministry work, Stephenson offers a clear, faith-rooted path for churches and individuals to engage one of the most urgent humanitarian crises of our time – human trafficking – through practical action, informed awareness, and persistent prayer.
With an estimated 50 million people living in modern slavery worldwide, the need for informed and engaged communities has never been greater. Yet many believers feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. “Noonday Light”meets that tension head-on, bridging the gap between compassion and action. Through biblical insight, real-life accounts, and step-by-step guidance, Stephenson helps readers understand the realities of trafficking while equipping them to respond in tangible ways, whether through prayer, advocacy, volunteering, or launching church-based initiatives.
Stephenson’s passion for this work grew out of firsthand encounters with survivors and years spent on the front lines of antitrafficking efforts, where he saw both the depth of the problem and the unique role the church can play in addressing it. Rather than presenting an abstract issue, he brings readers into the lived reality of those affected, while consistently pointing to the hope, restoration, and freedom found in Christ. As he explains, the church is not a peripheral player in this fight—it is uniquely positioned to bring light into some of the darkest places in the world and to offer both spiritual and practical support to those who have been exploited.
Stephenson wrote “Noonday Light” to take years of complex legal and frontline experience and make it accessible and actionable for everyday believers, grounded in his conviction that the church is uniquely positioned to confront modern slavery if it steps forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Dan Stephenson’s paperback will be available on April 7, 2026; with the e-book freeto download on Amazon for 5 days through April 11, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Barb Riazzi
This book is a call to arms. It outlines specific actions that every person can take to combat the insidious evil of modern slavery-commonly called human trafficking. You will be informed and inspired by Noonday Light. While the book is aimed at mobilizing Christian church representatives, any individual will find value in reading.
AS
5 Stars We need to know this!
Stephenson shines a light on something churches may shy away from but need to know… what’s happening and what to do about human trafficking. Together, the church can face these crimes with God’s wisdom and help.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Stephenson, a passionate Christian and retired lawyer, dedicates his life to combating human trafficking. With sixteen years of pro bono legal experience, Stephenson aims to mobilize American churches and raise awareness about this critical issue. Few people know he is also a competitive swimmer who has broken eighteen masters world records. Dan is the Vice President of Global Training for ZimZam Global, an overseas church-planting ministry.
FAITH NEWS SERVICE – New podcast equips parents and caregivers to nurture faith where it matters most- at home.
Buies Creek, N.C. — April, 2026 – What if the most powerful place for spiritual growth isn’t a classroom or church program — but the home?
Campbell University Divinity School has announced the launch of the Empowering Families Podcast, a new tool designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical resources, biblical insight, and real-life support to help children grow in their faith.
The podcast is part of the Empowering Families for Spiritual Formation Initiative, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children.
Grounded in the belief that faith takes root in the everyday rhythms of home life, the podcast extends the work of the Empowering Families initiative beyond church activities and retreats. Each episode features trusted voices — educators, ministry leaders, and parents — sharing practical, approachable ways to nurture faith at home.
“Through this podcast, we hope to empower parents and caregivers with confidence, knowledge, and hope as they faithfully nurture the love of Christ in their families,” said Dr. Sarah Boberg, director of Empowering Families at the School of Divinity.
Rather than adding another program to busy schedules, the podcast helps families recognize and cherish the opportunities already present in everyday moments — around dinner tables, during car rides, and in bedtime routines.
The Empowering Families for Spiritual Formation Initiative seeks to strengthen households and churches by engaging parents and caregivers in meaningful faith formation. Through this podcast, that mission continues — empowering families, one family, one story, one step at a time.
The Empowering Families Podcast launched March 19, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST on major podcast platforms, with new episodes released weekly. For more information, click here.
About Campbell University Divinity School
Campbell University Divinity School is an academic and spiritual community of faculty, staff, and students committed to preparing servant leaders for the 21st century church in an environment of worship, study, and participation in the mission of God in today’s world. Through initiatives like Empowering Families, the Divinity School seeks to strengthen churches and households by equipping leaders and parents alike for transformative ministry.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation established in 1937 by members of the Lilly family through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. Separate from the company, the Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana. Through its religion grantmaking, the Endowment seeks to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States by strengthening congregations and supporting pastoral and lay leadership.
