Spanish-language publishers and suppliers have committed to starting 2012 with a special focus on seeking God for more impact in their efforts.

Many attending the annual summit of the Spanish Evangelical Products Association (SEPA) in the Orlando, Fla., area this week responded to an appeal from pastor and author Jentezen Franklin to begin the new year with a 21-day fast.

“I believe that if you seek first the kingdom, if you will seek Him first in the year, all year long He will begin to order blessings and will begin to arrange your steps and open doors no man can shut,” Franklin told those at the five-day gathering hosted by Casa Creación, the Spanish publishing division of Charisma Media in Lake Mary, Fla.

“When you get full of Him, you become a bread distributor,” he told attendees from around 20 countries, having spoken about how Jesus as the bread of life should be their main course, not a side dish. “It’s no longer your business, it’s no longer your company, it’s His company,” he said. “He is just using your hands to get His Word, which is the bread of life, out to hungry hearts in your nation.”

Pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Fla., and author of the New York Times best-seller Fasting (Charisma House), Franklin’s annual start-the-year fasting movement has been joined by thousands of individuals and churches. He drew from his latest release, The Fasting Edge, in his message to the SEPA delegates meeting through Nov. 18.

“As you are building your business, Jesus can’t be a side dish,” he said. “Take everything else off the table and put Him in the center.” He urged them to pray that Jesus may so fill their businesses with His presence that “I don’t just touch people’s ears and minds, but ... when I speak, I touch people’s hearts.”

Summit attendees have been learning about new releases from leading suppliers and discussing industry trends and issues, including the growth of e-books and the use of social media.

CLICK HERE to see Franklin’s invitation for you to join Christian publishing industry colleagues starting 2012 with a joint fast.