Christian Retailing

Billy Graham's 'core message' book coming Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Tuesday, 05 March 2013 12:00 AM America/New_York

Thomas Nelson will publish renowned evangelist Billy Graham's next major book this fall.

To be released Oct. 15, The Reason for My Hope: Salvation "once again brings an important message of salvation to the world, with [Graham's] accessible writing style and words of truth," said Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson.

In what could be his final book, Graham, who turns 95 in November, shares "the core message that has guided his life and calling" for more than 70 years, Nelson said. The book will be the centerpiece of a massive campaign by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that will seek to mobilize millions of Christians to invite non-Christians to hear the gospel through customized video and a new message from Graham.

Graham's previous book, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well, published by Nelson in October 2011, was named Christian Book of the Year the 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. A New York Times best-seller, Nearing Home has sold more than 700,000 copies.

Thomas Nelson Senior Vice President and Group Publisher David Moberg said Graham will again "impact the world with a timely message of hope and encouragement for these difficult times."

"What a tremendous tribute to Dr. Graham that in his 95th year, he is still shaping the culture with the Christian message [with The Reason for My Hope," he added.

Graham's publisher since 1975 through its acquisition of Word Publishing in 1992, Nelson has had numerous million-copy best-sellers of the famous preacher's books in more than 35 years, company officials said. The Reason for My Hope will be simultaneously released Oct. 15 through Nelson's Spanish division, Grupo Nelson, and internationally.