The famous actor appears as J.T., a friend of rodeo-riding ministry partners Randy and Heidi Gunn, who use their Western skills on horseback and with guns to share the gospel at cowboy events across the country.

They appear as themselves in the movie, which sees them taking on four troubled inner-city youngsters referred by The Power Company Kids ministry run by Randy's brother, John, and his wife, Michele--the two portrayed by John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard) and Jennifer O'Neill (Summer of '42).

Mixing drama and comedy, the 96-minute film--distributed by Provident-Integrity Distribution--follows the quartet's adventures as they learn new skills and values and endeavor to make new starts. The movie is aimed at families "hungry for entertainment that opens kids and adults to a positive experience and a good message," said Kris Fuhr, marketing vice president for Provident Films.

Through their GunnPoint organization, Randy--known as "The Pistol Packin' Preacher"--and Heidi--dubbed "Straight Arrow"--lead cowboy services at rodeo events and have both earned mounted shooting trophies. They also sing, and have won several inspirational country music awards.

Schlitt was selected from among 10 other rock singers who were graded in terms of undeniable talent, vocal ability and indelible impact upon generations past and present. Other artists on the list include Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman, Phil Keaggy, dcTalk's Michael Tait, Skillet's John Cooper and Burlap to Cashmere frontman Steven Delopoulos.

The stores included Vine & Branches in Lodi, Calif.; Family Bible Center in Turlock, Calif.; Jireh's Christian Bookstore in Placerville, Calif.; Praises Book Store in New Boston, Ohio; The Olive Branch in New Hyde Park, N.Y.; and Bible Superstore in Fort Collins, Colo.

"My wife and I are very excited to be working with a company that seems to understand the way the industry is headed as we do," said Dan Panella, owner of Vine & Branches. "The data and analysis provided are of great value, not to mention the quality catalogs with fewer items and better selection than other catalogs out there."

Parable Member Store Advisor Jim Clark added: "The Parable Group was built on the group membership program. Even though much of our focus for the last few years has been on building the franchise option, our member stores are as important and vital as ever."

Held Sept. 17-20 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center in Denver, the annual event featured discussion and training in Christian fiction. Among the winners were: Donita K. Paul for Mentor of the Year; John B. Olson for Membership Service Award; Thomas Nelson's Ami McConnell for Editor of the Year; and Steve Laube for Agent of the Year.

Yet to be titled, the first novel in a three-part romantic series about one woman's growing awareness of the presence of angels--developed by Walsh along with novelist Kathryn Cushman--is slated for publication in August 2010.