Tag Archives: athena holtz

Empty at the Top: Exposing Spiritual Dangers in Multilevel Marketing Will be Free to Download Tomorrow, March 28, 2023.

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Monday, March 27, 2023

Athena Dean Holtz, a former industry insider and top producer who reached the top in three multilevel marketing (MLM) organizations, exposes the spiritual dangers of network marketing for Christians in her newly updated book, Empty at the Top. In this searingly honest personal story, Holtz reveals the dirty secrets of MLM and how relationships are misused for financial gain.

“My story is an eye-opening exposé of the deception of MLM,” said Holtz. “It’s a warning to Christians about the spiritual dangers of this business model.”

Holtz describes her journey from being a successful businesswoman to experiencing spiritual emptiness due to her involvement in MLM. She explains why so many people, particularly the most vulnerable, get sucked into what she calls “the lie”—the false promise that success comes easily with MLM.

Holtz warns readers that although it may seem like a lucrative opportunity to make money quickly, there is often more than meets the eye with MLM businesses. She shares examples of how these companies often rely on manipulation, guilt-tripping, and cult-like tactics to keep their members engaged and motivated.

Empty at the Top is an honest look at how easy it can be to get caught up in something that seems innocent but can lead to spiritual ruin. Anyone who has considered being involved in MLM, or who knows others who are, will find this book compelling and eye-opening.

Download your free copy of Empty at the Top beginning March 28, 2023 through April 1, 2023 on Amazon. Empty at the Top is rated 5 stars by those who have purchased the book. Here’s what some of the reviewers have said:

E Cowgill
5 Starts – An Eye-opening Look at Multilevel Marketing

“In “Empty at the at Top: Exposing Spiritual Dangers in Multilevel Marketing,” Athena Dean Holtz writes an eye-opening book on the many multilevel marketing organizations in existence today. She is open and transparent in writing about her own previous involvement and how God drew her out of the company and brought her back to him. She shares the dangers, especially spiritual dangers, to a person and their family when one or both adults are involved in the organization. But she also shares the way out of these organizations and how God can and will redeem situations of the families who leave.
If you have ever been involved in a multilevel marketing organization, if you are currently in one, or if you’re thinking about joining, this is a “must-read” book!”

Rhonda Stoppe
5 stars – Multilevel Marketing Exposed!

“If you grew up in the church in the 1970s then you were likely at one time invited to what you thought was a social gathering – only to discover you were duped into sitting in on a “once in a lifetime” get rich quick presentation. Thank you Athena for unmasking the spiritual dangers of MultiLevel Marketing schemes that insidiously work their way into church fellowships.”

For more information

To schedule an interview or for more information about this press release, please contact Athena Dean Holtz at info@redemption-press.com.

About the Author

Athena Dean Holtz spent ten years pursuing and reaching success and profit in network marketing. Founder and publisher of the hybrid Redemption Press, and a multi-published author and speaker, she is also an award-winning podcast host, and founder of the acclaimed She Writes for Him national events for Christian writers and speakers. She and her pastor husband Dr. Ross Holtz live in Enumclaw, Wash.

Suggested Interview Questions

Why do you think the topic of MLM and Christians is so polarizing?
Why do you think American Christians—especially women—are drawn to multi-level marketing (MLM)?
What do you feel is the main “red flag” and deception of MLM’s business model?
You first published this book thirty years ago, do you feel the danger of MLM involvement is still as prevalent today? How so?
What do you say to Christians feel MLM is an answer to prayer, and may be funding ministry, and helping others through MLM?
How have MLM’s practices changed? Are they still as manipulative?
What’s the main danger of bringing MLM involvement into the church?
What’s your advice for those involved in MLM?

Redemption Press Expands Ownership Team – New partners add strength, experience, and enthusiasm to independent publishing company

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – February 6, 2023 – “No matter what the future holds for me, I wanted to ensure that our authors and team will be well cared for, and the legacy of Redemption Press continues on. In that light, we have been looking for a creative partnership that would strengthen and grow Redemption Press well into the future,” says founder Athena Dean-Holtz. “This partnership is a dream come true and one that will build on our existing strengths.”

On January 24, 2023, Athena and Dr. Ross Holtz welcomed Kelley and Carol Tetzlaff of Arizona and Shelly Brown of Florida as minority co-owners to the nearly-decade-old, Washington-based publishing company. The new growth of Redemption Press comes with more than seventy years’ worth of collective experience in publishing, book design, marketing, and packaging. Athena and Ross Holtz will remain majority owners with a plan to maintain the tradition of excellence that makes them one of independent publishing’s greatest successes.

Since 2014, Redemption Press, which uses the product-management style of traditional publishing, has filled an author-centered niche in Christian publishing, and was certified as a Best Christian Workplace by BCWI (Best Christian Workplace Institute) in 2021 and 2022.

New partner, Kelley Tetzlaff said, “Having closely observed Redemption Press for the past two years, I see Athena and Ross Holtz as people of integrity who have a passion to publish with excellence. I am thrilled to provide support to the company and the authors they serve. My partnership comes with great expectations for the future success of Redemption Press.”

Carol Tetzlaff said, “Publishing my first Bible study with Redemption Press brought me into a community that offered me support and encouragement on my journey. Only God could orchestrate this path and open the door for me to create for the very people I admired from afar. My role has grown from creating content and organizing events to becoming an integral part in the marketing and development of this company.”

“Working hand-in-hand with Athena and the Redemption Press team over the last three years has been the highlight of decades of my professional endeavors,” said Shelly Brown. She added, “We’ve crafted strategies that have spread our authors’ incredible messages far and wide, allowing them to reach heights they never thought possible. As I look forward to all the opportunities ahead for existing and new writers alike, my heart overflows with excitement about the bright future of Redemption Press as we soar higher than ever before.”

“At a time when many Christian publishers are selling out to secular publishing corporations, we pledge to remain committed to the same values that we started with—putting kingdom purposes first and honoring God,” says Athena Dean Holtz. “Our new strategic partnership will ensure not just longevity but continuity for new and existing authors as well. I look forward to working alongside our new partners for years to come.

“Their individual hearts for Jesus and serving our authors resonate with ours in commitment and love for the power of story and redemption. We can’t express how excited we are for the future as we continue to represent integrity and excellence in publishing alongside these new partners.”

For more information contact: Athena Dean Holtz, founder and publisher on 210-620-4900.

Amazon Best Seller Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry is Free for Download One More Day

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Sunday, December 4, 2022

Ross and Athena Holtz will capture Christian audiences with their newest book, Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry maintains best seller status.

Ross and Athena wrote Together for a Purpose to encourage couples in both marriage and ministry to be faithful in their relationships—even through the struggles—and to find God’s purpose for their everyday lives.

A unique true marriage story of two seasoned travelers who find each other and marry later in life is told from two viewpoints with openness and candor. This engaging and often humorous narrative written by a high-powered Christian woman publisher and a ready-for-retirement widowed pastor offers a much needed marriage book for women and men while navigating change and criticism, blended families, issues of compatibility, and meshing as a couple. More than just a love story, this growing-in-faith story touches on what we all long for—belonging, being loved for who we are, and finding a place of service to God and purpose in our everyday lives.

Ross and Athena Holt’s Together for a Purpose is free and available for download on Amazon through December 4, 2022. Together for a Purpose is rated 5 stars by those who have purchased the book. Here’s what some of the reviewers have said:

Mrs Custodio – 5 stars
Wonderful Story Guide
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2022
Verified Purchase

“Together For a Purpose is not only a beautiful story of love and redemption but also a wonderful guide on how to navigate our own relationships/marriages. It addresses who we are as individuals brought together in a unique union of two. I loved the story of their courtship and they dealt with struggles. I was inspired to make some changes in my own marriage.”

Jill Esau, Northwest Christian Writers Association – 5 stars
This book is better than I expected
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
Verified Purchase

“I have read my share of marriage/counseling/personal growth types of books. I love them. There is usually at least one nugget of wisdom I can use in every recommended volume I purchase. But TOGETHER FOR A PURPOSE offers an extra kick. It combines an intimate delve into the lives of two extremely accomplished and tender folks who found a deep love at an unexpected time in their lives, then decided to share their challenges with us (me!) in a way that allows for tons of application, reflection, and hope. I read it on Kindle, but will buy several copies for gifts when it is released in hard copy form. The dual recounting of situations by Athena and Ross invite the reader into their virtual living room to not only observe, but to actually learn from their experiences over six decades. Then they top off the chapters with specific questions for us to ponder throughout the day. I learned as much about myself as I did about this remarkable couple. Very clever and effective tools have been organized in this short honest exercise in processing disappointment and grabbing the good in front of us. I highly recommend TOGETHER FOR A PURPOSE if you need a fresh look at life.”

For More Information: For more questions or to schedule an interview about this press release please contact Athena Holtz at 210-620-4900 or email at athena@redemption-press.com.

About the Authors
Dr. Geoffrey Ross Holtz was the founding and senior pastor of The Summit, Enumclaw, Washington. He holds a Masters of Religious Studies, a Doctor of Ministries, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from Columbia Evangelical Seminary, is ordained with the Evangelical Free Church of America, and is the author of Are You in the Game or in the Way? A Question for Pastors and Men’s Ministry Leaders.

Athena Dean Holtz is the founder and publisher of the hybrid Redemption Press in Enumclaw, Washington. Named Best Female Podcast Host of the year in 2021 by the national Spark Media for her All Things podcast, she is the author of Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God, and the founder of She Writes for Him writers’ online and in-person events and the Redeemed & Restored video broadcast/podcast.

Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry Will be Free to Download Tomorrow, November 30, 2022

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—November 29, 2022

Ross and Athena Holtz will capture Christian audiences with their newest book, Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry

A unique true marriage story of two seasoned travelers who find each other and marry later in life is told from two viewpoints with openness and candor. This engaging and often humorous narrative written by a high-powered Christian woman publisher and a ready-for-retirement widowed pastor deals with Christian marriage, change and criticism, blended families, issues of compatibility, and meshing as a couple. More than just a love story, this growing-in-faith story touches on what we all long for—belonging, being loved for who we are, and finding a place of service to God and purpose in our everyday lives.

Ross and Athena Holt’s Together for a Purpose will be free and available for download on Amazon for 5 days from November 30 through December 4, 2022. Together for a Purpose is rated 5 stars by those who have purchased the book. Here’s what some of the reviewers have said:

Janet McHenry – 5 stars
Encouragement for later-married couples!
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2022
Verified Purchase

“Together for a Purpose is a testament to God’s faithfulness in Ross and Athena Holtz’s third chapter of life. Vulnerably and honestly they together lay out their struggles and commitment to work all things together for God’s good purpose in their lives. I highly recommend it for new and seasoned couples who want to grow in their marriage relationship.”

Valerie – 5 stars
Like a heart-to-heart chat with close friends over coffee
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2022
Verified Purchase

“Wow! It’s rare that I wake up looking forward to the next chapter in a non-fiction book but, with this one, I did. Reading it sometimes felt like marriage counseling, career mentoring, and Bible study. But most often, it felt like a heart-to-heart chat with close friends over coffee. By the end, I appreciated my husband more, identified areas of my past for which I need to accept more of the responsibility, and was inspired to get moving more intentionally on God’s plan for my life. One of the discussion questions asks, “Are you serving God, or are you an observer of others’ ministries? Are you content with how you serve Him? Is He?” Ouch! Like one of the authors, I am at a transitional life stage and had begun to take on a mindset of stepping out of the game to make room for others. Instead, I will step wholeheartedly into a different game, the one God intended for me from the start. Thanks to the authors for writing this personal, thought-provoking book!”

For More Information: For more questions or to schedule an interview about this press release please contact Athena Holtz at 210-620-4900 or email at athena@redemption-press.com.

About the Authors

Dr. Geoffrey Ross Holtz was the founding and senior pastor of The Summit, Enumclaw, Washington. He holds a Masters of Religious Studies, a Doctor of Ministries, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from Columbia Evangelical Seminary, is ordained with the Evangelical Free Church of America, and is the author of Are You in the Game or in the Way? A Question for Pastors and Men’s Ministry Leaders.

Suggested Interview Questions

Yours is an unusual love story, one that survived unexpected early challenges. It sounded like you were blindsided. How did the two of you stay strong against so much coming at you?
Athena, tell us about Ross’s late wife’s list for her replacement. Did you ever take that seriously? Did you ever think you would actually be with someone from her list?
Ross, you say, “I’m perfect for her.” How do your personalities mesh? What makes you perfect for Athena? Is she perfect for you? What makes her perfect for you?
Pastors hate to see people leave their churches. As a pastor, how did you deal with one-third of your congregation leaving after you married?
Do you have any tips for dealing with the inevitable criticism that comes with being in public ministry?
What’s the one habit that you practice together that you feel strengthens your bond? How does this habit enrich you as a couple and personally?
As you tell your story, you talk a lot about purpose. How do you suggest couples go about finding God’s purpose in their lives together?
You are very candid as you write about your lives. What is the one point you want most to get across by telling your stories?
You’ve both had hard things happen in your lives. How do you reconcile God working all things together for good (as Romans 8:28 says) with your life experience.

Amazon Best Seller Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry Launches to Rave Reviews!

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Friday, December 2, 2022

Ross and Athena Holtz will capture Christian audiences with their newest book, Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry

A unique true marriage story of two seasoned travelers who find each other and marry later in life is told from two viewpoints with openness and candor. This engaging and often humorous narrative written by a high-powered Christian woman publisher and a ready-for-retirement widowed pastor offers Christian marriage help while navigating change and criticism, blended families, issues of compatibility, and meshing as a couple. More than just a love story, this growing-in-faith story touches on what we all long for—belonging, being loved for who we are, and finding a place of service to God and purpose in our everyday lives.

Edward E. – 5 stars
A Wise Conversation
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022
Verified Purchase

“I found this book to be sort of like Lays Potato Chips. I couldn’t read just one chapter. I had to read the whole thing. It was like listening to the authors, Ross and Athena, converse. I didn’t want to miss out on any of the interaction or the wisdom they shared. Relationships take work and they’ve experienced what works and what doesn’t work. Good writing, excellent content, while being entertaining in their presentation. You won’t regret reading it.”

Faith and Farmhouse – 5 stars
Great resource for couples and small groups
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2022
Verified Purchase

“In this sweet story of God’s redemption and care, Dr. Ross Holtz and his wife Athena tell the story of how they met and married, in their 60s! Despite many obstacles, they are making their marriage thrive by putting God first. This book would be a great resource for couples and small groups as there is discussion questions at the end of each chapter.”

For More Information: For more questions or to schedule an interview about this press release please contact Athena Holtz at 210-620-4900 or email at athena@redemption-press.com.

About the Authors

Suggested Interview Questions

Yours is an unusual love story, one that survived unexpected early challenges. It sounded like you were blindsided. How did the two of you stay strong against so much coming at you?
Athena, tell us about Ross’s late wife’s list for her replacement. Did you ever take that seriously? Did you ever think you would actually be with someone from her list?
Ross, you say, “I’m perfect for her.” How do your personalities mesh? What makes you perfect for Athena? Is she perfect for you? What makes her perfect for you?
Pastors hate to see people leave their churches. As a pastor, how did you deal with one-third of your congregation leaving after you married?
Do you have any tips for dealing with the inevitable criticism that comes with being in public ministry?
What’s the one habit that you practice together that you feel strengthens your bond? How does this habit enrich you as a couple and personally?
As you tell your story, you talk a lot about purpose. How do you suggest couples go about finding God’s purpose in their lives together?
You are very candid as you write about your lives. What is the one point you want most to get across by telling your stories?
You’ve both had hard things happen in your lives. How do you reconcile God working all things together for good (as Romans 8:28 says) with your life experience.

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