All Things New makes its debut while the regrouped Hawk Nelson offers its new release

ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN

Matt Maher

Essential Records (Provident)

0-83061-09682-3

April 23

Maher’s All the People Said Amen features new songs mixed with live versions of worship anthems and radio hits. First single is “Lord I Need You.” 

ALL THINGS NEW

All Things New

BEC Recordings (EMI CMG Distribution) 5-09997-309022-9

April 9

Produced by Jonathan Smith and Casey Brown, with executive production by Jason Ingram, the self-titled debut by All Things New shares a life lesson: Things break apart in this world, but God restores them. 

CARRY ME

Josh Wilson

Sparrow Records (EMI CMG) 

5-09999-092842-0

April 9

With more than 200,000 in album sales, Wilson is once again teaming up with producer Matt Bronlewee for Carry Me. The title track is a prayer asking God to hold onto our hearts. 

FIGHT

Carlos Whittaker

Paradigm Collective (Provident)

0-83061-09642-7

April 30

Formerly worship pastor at Sandals Church, Whittaker now serves at a North Point campus in Atlanta. Fight is his debut with Paradigm Collective.

LIGHTS OUT

Silverline

Dream Records (EMI CMG) 

6-17401-12518-8-9

April 9

Silverline has shared the stage with P.O.D. and Newsboys, selling thousands of CDs independently.

MADE

Hawk Nelson

Fair Trade Services (Provident) 

7-36211-60519-1

April 2

Now a threesome after Jason Dunn opted for a solo career, Hawk Nelson transitioned Jonathan Steingard to frontman. “Words,” which features vocals by Bart Millard (MercyMe), is a response to the title track, “Made.”

EMI CMG Distribution, Call: 800-877-4443, Fax: 615-371-6980, www.emicmgdistribution.com

Pure Flix Entertainment, Call: 888-528-7444, E-mail: info@pureflix.com, www.pureflix.com

Provident Distribution, Call: 800-333-9000, www.thep.com

Right to life: A mother’s search for redemption and a son’s quest to find his birth mother is the story told in Meant to Be. The film shows that even when we choose to go our own way, God can show us what was meant to be. The film stars Dean Cain, Bradley Dorsey, Della Reese and Michael Gross. Released last month by Pure Flix Entertainment, the 90-minute DVD retails for $14.99. 

League of his own: In Ring the Bell, big-city sports agent Rob Decker is on a mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, but becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life and faith stands in stark contrast to his own win-at-all-costs mind-set. The story features Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West, along with baseball all-stars Rick Sutcliffe, John Kruk and Ben Zobrist. From Provident Distribution, the 96-minute Provident Films DVD releases this month and retails for $14.99. 

The beginning of the end: In Revelation Road, a traveling salesman with a history of violence foils a robbery by The Barbarians, an outlaw biker gang. Then an unnatural flash comes across the sky, followed by a series of earthquakes. It could be the rapture, but the salesman’s only goal is to get home to his family—a dangerous journey to the center of his soul. The film stars Brian Bosworth, Steve “The Sting” Borden, Ray Wise and David A.R. White. Released last month by Pure Flix, the 88-minute DVD retails for $19.99.

Director of ‘Unconditional’ sees the film as a ‘mainstream’ movie like ‘The Blind Side’

“Papa Joe” Bradford’s life was in shambles, but today he ministers in Nashville’s inner city. Unconditional is the story of how someone who grew up in rural Tennessee ended up with a following among the underprivileged.

Released last month to Christian retail, Unconditional tells the story of Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins), whose storybook marriage is wrecked by a senseless act of violence. “Papa” Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy), Crawford’s childhood friend, leads her on a journey toward unconditional love.

Produced by Harbinger Media Partners, the film is based on the real-life Joe Bradford, who serves seven at-risk communities in Nashville through his Elijah’s Heart ministry.

“Unconditional is a wonderful true story about the power of faith, hope and love,” Director Brent McCorkle said. “The big spiritual question the film asks is, ‘Where is God when I’m suffering?’ Also at the heart of this redemptive drama are themes like acts of service, transcending cultural barriers and never underestimating the power of a true friend. While it carries indelible spiritual themes, it is definitely a film that people from all walks of life can embrace and be touched by.”

Unconditional wasn’t a hit when it was released in theaters last fall, but the film’s director hopes the Christian-themed drama will find an audience on DVD.

“Unfortunately, most people didn’t even know about our film,” McCorkle told Christian Retailing. “The amazing news about our theatrical run was that the film garnered an extremely high audience rating. On RottenTomatoes.com, it hovered at around 90%. That’s a pretty big deal. … I think that our little movie could totally have a life of its own as a DVD sleeper hit.”

Rated PG-13 for some violent content and mature thematic elements, Unconditional is “simply a mainstream movie with some faith elements and no offensive content.”

“It’s a redemptive story with spiritual themes that are easily embraced by Christians,” McCorkle said. “But at the same time, my intent and conviction was to craft a film that wasn’t exclusive to that audience—very much like The Blind Side.

“There’s a place for this type of content on [Christian retailers’] shelves, even though it is mainstream,” he added. “I have heard from many, many folks who have [said] that the film is resonating with them on a fundamental spiritual level in their Christian lives.”

Unconditional, which retails for $17.99 and runs 98 minutes, is distributed by Provident Distribution. To order, call 800-333-9000.

ASK THE AUTHOR: Ginny L. Yttrup

LATEST PROJECT: Invisible (978-1-433-67168-5, $14.99, April 1).

PUBLISHER:  B&H Books.

What are the premise and theme of Invisible?  Invisible is the story of three women, each hiding from themselves and others. Ellyn, a chef, has spent her life hiding behind a layer of extra weight; Sabina, a counselor, is hiding behind a wall of grief; and Twila is wasting away as she struggles with anorexia—she wants to disappear, literally. As the women are drawn together and their lives intertwine, they begin to see themselves in one another and come to recognize themselves as the beautiful creations they are. The overarching theme of Invisible is freedom, which the characters enjoy once they accept themselves as ones created in the image of God. Embracing that truth frees the characters, and us, to focus on the glory of God living within us, rather than on our human flaws.

Why did you write Invisible?   I wrote this story because I am 5-foot, 1-inch and weigh 100-and-too-many pounds, according to the cultural standard. I wrote Invisible because for much of my life, I didn’t feel as though I fit in, or even that anyone could possibly find me attractive, and therefore, I wished I was invisible. I wrote this story because last year, when I turned 49, I realized and accepted, for the first time, that I am created in the image of God! And that blew me away! I’ve heard theologians say that our souls are created in the image of God, not our bodies. Maybe that’s true—I’m not a theologian. But I was knit together in my mother’s womb by a loving and creative God who tells me in His Word that I’m created in His image—His Word also tells me that as a believer, I have His Spirit living within me. Wow! When I considered the truth of those facts, it became difficult to look in the mirror and complain any longer. There is so much more to me than the reflection staring back at me. Ellyn makes a statement in Invisible that she’s never looked in the mirror and seen the image of God. From my experience, I don’t think Ellyn is alone. Nor was I alone in the struggle I battled for 49 years. My prayer is that readers will come away from Invisible seeing themselves as ones created in the image of God and will embrace all that means.

How is this an example of what has been called “Issues Fiction”?  One of the prevalent issues of our American culture is the notion that the models and actors we see splashed across magazine covers and movie screens represent an ideal image of beauty and body shape. As women, we often struggle because the ideal is often impossible to attain. We compare ourselves and then wonder, What’s wrong with me? 

What research did you conduct to write on these issues?  I researched anorexia nervosa first on the Internet and then by talking with women who’ve struggled with that eating disorder. I researched other eating disorders and was interested when I noticed a common thread that seemed to run through all of them—whether it was eating too much or too little. I also used my own experience as a woman who has struggled with my own body image and weight for most of my life. Then I studied grief and its varying stages. Finally, as I do with each of my books, I had a wise Christian counselor read the manuscript to make certain I portrayed the psychological issues in a believable manner. For Invisible, I was blessed to have Marilyn Meberg, counselor, author and speaker for Women of Faith, read the manuscript and offer her psychological insight and, ultimately, her endorsement. I also had the extreme privilege of consulting with novelist and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs as I wrote. Liz, a “big, beautiful woman,” as she refers to herself, advised me on how Ellyn might feel. Liz also wanted to make certain Invisible wasn’t offensive to large women in any way, which was precisely what I wanted to avoid. Large or small, we’re all created in the image of God!

Threads of the characters’ conversations weave together in a way that ministers to each of them specifically. Why did you choose this approach?  I hope that through the relationships I portrayed in Invisible, the reader sees a picture of the way the body of Christ works at its best. God works in and through each of us and touches the lives of those He places in our paths.

Who will connect with this story?   Readers who’ve struggled with their own body image or an eating disorder will connect with Invisible. [Also] anyone who has fallen in love or anyone who has grieved the loss of a loved one will connect with Invisible. Finally, anyone who enjoys a good story—a story of transformation, restoration and romance—will connect with Invisible. 

How can Christian retailers promote?  I am so appreciative of Christian retailers and the enormous selection of books they promote. I believe fiction is a “back door” to a reader’s heart, and when Christian retailers view fiction in that way, they may then consider recommending a novel as well as a self-help book, when someone seeks something on a specific topic.

Latest project:Couples of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Couples in Scripture (978-0-310-33268-8, $22.99, Zondervan).

How did this devotional come about?

Bobbie: This really came out of a felt need with the girls in my Bible study. I teach 30 young moms at my church. … I had been for years listening to what they struggle with—moving, jobs, disobedient children, infertility, surprises, illnesses, circumstances that are beyond your control—and so I felt like zeroing in on God’s Word, and let’s find out what God’s character was, how did He act, how did He instruct couples in the Bible, both the good and the bad, and the thread of His redemption all the way through.

Robert: It’s the third in a series. The first was Women of the Bible, Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda, and we had the privilege of representing them. Our day job is representing authors. Then Ann and I did Men of the Bible and so the third of the trilogy really would be Couples of the Bible.

What is the structure of the book?

Robert: It’s a 52-week experience for couples. Monday is called “Their Story,” and what we do is we take an event in the life of one of these couples. Now it’s actually 40 different couples, 52 weeks. There are some couples that we’ve spent more than one week with because they deserve more time … but Monday is “Their Story,” so we’ve taken a slice from their account in the Bible. Tuesday is called “Their Life and Times.” We had the joy of having a Jewish Christian researcher who dug deep, who helped us come up with accurate data about the life and times of these couples so we’re saying, OK, what was the culture like, what was it like politically, what was it like geographically? Then Wednesday is called “Can You Imagine?” so we’re inviting the reader or the readers to go into that cultural setting, into that relational challenge, then Thursday, we called it “Their Legacy in Scripture,” so the big idea, the issue the couple’s facing, whatever it is, we’ve given the reader a chance to have a Bible study on that subject, so it’s three or four Bible passages and questions that take the reader through the Scripture, back to the story of the couple in terms of the issues that they faced, and then Friday is called “Their Legacy of Prayer.” So now that you’ve spent the week with this couple, how are you best drawn into God’s presence? In fact, it’s interesting because there’s a section in that Legacy of Prayer of listening, so, like Jesus Calling, it’s written in the first person as though God is speaking to the couple.

Did you plan the timing of the release of this devotional?

Bobbie: Just at the point of doing some of the final edits, February of 2012, I went in for surgery thinking it was just routine surgery and came out with the diagnosis of stage four ovarian cancer. So between the hospital visits and the six rounds of chemotherapy, I just could hardly think. I could walk a little bit and I was cared for very well by Robert, but I had a hard time editing, so we asked the publisher if we could have an extension.

Robert: Bobbie had six treatments separated by three weeks. The first week, post-treatment can be a rough week, but you get better and better and better, so we captured Bobbie as well as we could the second and third weeks following treatments to do the editing ... so it stretched it out. From a marketing perspective, most devotionals come out in the fall, so it’s sort of cool to come out in April, and Mother’s Day is the second busiest time at retail, so we think this is a pretty cool Mother’s Day gift. We also think it would be a great wedding gift, and the wedding season starts May and June.

Todd and Tara Storch took their family on the trip of a lifetime in 2010, but before it was over, their daughter, Taylor, had died. A ski accident took the life of the 13-year-old.

At the hospital, devastated by grief and facing a parent’s worst nightmare, Todd and Tara had to answer a question they had never even considered: Would they be willing to donate Taylor’s organs?

After seeking counsel and prayer, they agreed. Todd told the neurosurgeon, “Absolutely!” and Tara added, “It’s what Taylor would want.” They knew Taylor would have chosen organ donation—not because she had said so, but because of who she was and how she had lived her life for others.

The Storches’ choice saved the lives of five people waiting for a heart, liver, kidney and corneas.

In Taylor’s Gift: A Courageous Story of Giving Life and Renewing Hope (978-0-800-72188-6, $21.99), releasing this month from Revell (Baker Publishing Group), Todd and Tara Storch, with New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Schuchmann, tell Taylor’s story—her life before the accident, her family’s grief, the purpose her family found in the organ-donation process and the lives of the people Taylor’s organs saved.

The Storches write candidly about the messiness of their grief, the heroic practical support of their family and community, and their determination to connect with at least one of Taylor’s recipients. 

“Since the day we made the decision to donate Taylor’s organs, it was the one thing I wanted more than anything else,” Tara writes. 

They got their wish. In a short time, they connected with four of Taylor’s five organ recipients.

In the early days of their grief, the Storches learned that their home state of Texas ranked the second-lowest in the country in organ-donation registration. This stirred a desire, first in Todd. 

“What could I do to help educate people and lead them in conversations about organ donation?” he wondered.

In response, the two created Taylor’s Gift Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising organ-donation awareness. Their journey has received national media attention, including an NBC Today Show appearance along with Patricia Winters, who received Taylor’s heart. 

The Storches write that their book is not only Taylor’s story, but also “the story of countless recipients who received organs because someone heard Taylor’s story and registered to be an organ donor.”

For more information about Taylor’s Gift, visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com, or to order, call 800-877-2665.

Visit www.christianretailing.com/taylorsgift for our interview with the Storches.