Entertainment One has announced the launch of eOne Worship, a new music label. GRAMMY nominee Martha Munizzi and newcomers BJ Putnam and Bryan Popin all are slated for project releases this year. 

“I am excited to partner with eOne Worship and be a part of the team with my friends and co-worship leaders,” said Munizzi, a Dove and Stellar Awards winner who has sold more than a half-million albums. “I’m looking forward to new music, collaborations with artists and opportunities in 2013 with eOne Worship.”

Charisma House has announced plans for an update of the King James Version (KJV) Bible, to be called the Modern English Version (MEV). Described as "the most modern of the KJV," the new version will be released next year.

The MEV is the most modern translation produced of the KJV in 30 years, according to officials for the book group of Charisma Media. The word-for-word translation maintains the beauty of the past, yet provides clarity for a new generation of Bible readers. The MEV also accurately communicates God's Word anew as it capitalizes references of God, "maintaining reverence" for the Scriptures.

"To Bible readers who value biblical truth, the MEV literally translates God's Word in a way that preserves the message, but remains readable for today's world," said Tessie DeVore, executive vice president of Charisma House. "And because of this, we anticipate that the MEV will have broad ecumenical and consumer acceptance."

Editors of the MEV translation represent institutions such as the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Harvard University, Oral Roberts University, Westminster Theological Seminary and Yale University.

"In my capacity as the senior editorial adviser, I want to introduce you to a fresh and exciting translation of Holy Scriptures—the Modern English Version, " said Stanley M. Horton, who has a doctor of theology degree and is overseeing the ambitious project. "It is second to none."

While most translations are preferred for either study, reading or devotions, the MEV seeks to fulfill all of these needs in one Bible.

"I expect that this translation will be readily understood by thoughtful readers of the Bible even as they find the classic truths of eternity expressed in understandable language of today's English speaker," said Jonathan M. Watt, a Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary adjunct professor of biblical studies.

James F. Linzey, chief editor of the MEV and chairman of the Committee on Bible Translation, added: "I highly recommend the MEV as a translator's Bible for missions work to provide the Word of God to all English-speaking people around the world."

Religious titles have seen tremendous growth in Brazil, according to ANL (Associação Nacional das Livrarias), Brazil's national booksellers association.

Last month, ANL issued its annual state of industry report, noting that while only 46% of bookstores sold religious titles in 2009, that figure rose to 76% in 2012.

"Growth in distribution of religious titles is just one indicator of the dynamism of the industry in this country, where the evangelical population is experiencing unprecedented growth," said Christian Trade Association International (CTAI).

To meet the demands, the association's member organizations in Brazil are celebrating significant milestones and planning events in the next few months.

ASEC (Associação de Editores Cristãos), the Christian publishers association in Brazil, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with its second annual FLIC (Feira Literária Internacional Cristã), an international Christian book fair to be held June 5-8 in Sao Paulo.

At last year's FLIC, ASEC President Sergio Henrique de Lima, publisher of Editora Vida, noted that evangelicals comprise about 30% of the population of Brazil and read about seven books annually. ASEC estimated that last year its members achieved sales of 400 million reais or nearly $200 million. The association expected sales to increase by 50 million reais ($25 million) in 2013.

For more information on ASEC, visit www.editorescristaos.org.br and www.feiraflic.com.br.

ANLE (Associação Nacional das Livrarias Evangélicas), the Christian retailers association in Brazil, will hold its annual convention at FIC (Feira Internacional Cristã), to be held July 17-20 in Sao Paulo.

Wilson Pereira Jr., ANLE's president, expects 200,000 people will attend the consumer-oriented portion of the new convention, and 3,000 industry professionals will attend the business segment of the event.

For more information on ANLE, email Wilson Pereira Jr. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.feirainternacionalcrista.com.br.

Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the "Left Behind" series, which has sold more than 63 million copies, has launched a custom publishing house called Christian Writers Guild Publishing (CWGP).

Owner of the Christian Writers Guild (CWG), Jenkins has been against self-publishing in general, but he recently had a change of heart. He said CWGP will be different from other custom publishing houses in that it features "Published," a six-month course whereby the new author is mentored by an experienced author.

When students with works-in-progress complete the course, CWGP will publish their books, providing a copy editor, proofreader, cover and type designer, e-book formatter, printer, a package of promotion and marketing and social media materials.

"This is different from self-publishing," said Jenkins, who has written more than 180 books. "It's mentored, coached and educated publishing. We come alongside through this course and surround them with seasoned industry professionals."

"I've criticized self-publishing because so many end up with schlocky covers, typos and poor production quality," he added. "CWGP is committed to providing writers with a valuable education and a great publishing experience."

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., CWG has trained aspiring writers for more than 40 years by offering writing courses, with each student mentored by a published author.

For more information about Christian Writers Guild Publishing, visit www.christianwritersguild.com.

Christian Art Gifts launched its first Spanish gifts this season and is planning a second product release this summer.

“We’ve seen that there’s a need for inspirational items that speak the heart language of people around the world, so we wanted to provide something that would inspire people and spread God’s Word wherever Spanish is being spoken,” said Melissa Faccini, who is coordinating the Spanish initiative and tradeshows.

Gracefully Yours Cards & Journals has signed Genesis Marketing to represent its growing line of scripture-based products.

“We are very pleased to join forces with Genesis,” said Rick Tocquigny, CEO of Gracefully Yours. “Their leadership position and quest to grow God’s kingdom matches our vision.”

Prayers are being requested for Christian suppliers and retailers who have been impacted by floods in Australia.

"Rescuers helped drivers escape swift floodwaters and used helicopters to pluck stranded people from rooftops in northeast Australia today after torrential rains flooded thousands of homes and businesses, killed four and forced thousands to huddle in shelters," Associated Press (AP) reported.

In an email sent to Christian Trade Association International last weekend, Albert Abel, a council member of the Christian Booksellers Association of Australia, wrote that more than 58,000 in Queensland were without power, and were inundated by flood waters and storm damage.

Suppliers and retailers affected include Condios Entertainment in Mooloolaba; Christian Art Gifts in Macgregor; and Wombat Books in Capalaba.

"The adverse weather has targeted all of southeast Queensland," said Abel, director of Outback Ministries. "I accept that we are facing the prophetic result of warnings, but we need to be vigilant and mindful in praying for our family members particularly."

In the hardest-hit city of Bundaberg in Queensland, 240 miles north of Brisbane, rescue crews rescued 1,000 people after the river that runs through town broke its banks, AP reported.

The flooding was caused by the remnants of a tropical cyclone that led to tornadoes and created sea foam that came ashore on the Queensland coast.

Abel told Christian Retailing that Christian Art Gifts' warehouse and staff "have fared well."

"As power and phones are out and may well be for the next few days, information is scarce," he said. We do not have many members in these areas, although there are a few struggling stores endeavoring to maintain a Christian witness and ministry. I believe there is a concerted effort by the evil one against those who maintain a witness. This is everywhere, of course, but we are feeling it with a vengeance."