Zodhiates was a veteran missions leader and noted biblical Greek authority. His works include the Modern Greek New Testament and the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (both AMG Publishers). Zodhiates authored numerous exegetical books in both the Greek and English languages, and for many years he was heard daily on the "New Testament Light" radio program, AMG officials said.

Using the company's Learning Management System, CBA will offer training in customer service, product knowledge and retail management skills to retail owners, managers and sales associates.

After "much prayer, creative brainstorming and wise counsel," Sherwood Pictures is ready to move ahead with their film, said officials for Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga.--where Fireproof and their earlier films were made.

The month's sales for religious books were $58 million, with the category's sales down by 9.2% for the year. Sales of religious books have been on the decline, decreasing 9.3%, 22%, 12%, 7.1%, 11.4%, 19% and 9% in July, June, May, April, March, February and January, respectively.

More than 20 suppliers--including Thomas Nelson International, Kregel Publications, Integrity Music and Warner Press--have so far signed on for the Virtual Christmas Showcase. In addition to highlighting products and specials, the online event also includes interviews, new release spotlights and other offers. The virtual show has drawn nearly 1,500 visitors from 43 countries since it began Sept. 30, with more than 4,800 page views.

But for the award-winning singer and author, the pro-life message of Sarah's Choice, releasing next month from Pure Flix Entertainment, goes "hand in hand" with the purity stand she has made through her songs and books.

Fearless, which debuted atop the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's October best-seller charts, was buoyed by a multifaceted social-media campaign in which Nelson utilized the influence of its online "friends" and "followers" to help spread the world about the book.