Accomplished Young Star-studded Cast Brings the New Testament to the Wired Generation

(Nashville, Tenn.) A whole generation is missing the truths of the Bible. According to a Barna survey of professing Christians, many young Christians today don’t believe in some of the very foundations of the faith. Many do not believe that Satan is real, that Jesus was sinless and the Bible is all true. On top of that, the study also found 43% of Christians who accept Jesus as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13, and 64% before turning 18.

Because of these staggering facts, Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world’s largest publisher of Bibles, announced that they will be releasing an audio Bible production of The New Testament entitled The Word of Promise: Youth Edition in association with Falcon Picture Group (FPG).

“We have to meet tweens with the Bible where they are, and unfortunately they’re not reading,” said Dan Lynch, Vice President of Family Entertainment at Thomas Nelson. “Youth today are into audio, video and gaming. We are creating a Bible that will appeal to their media driven lifestyle.”

The project will use the ICB (International Children’s Bible) New Testament, the bestselling and most readable translation created especially for today’s youth. It will be available in a 21-hour, 20 CD set as well as a MP3 format so that youth can download it onto their music players to listen on-the-go. This dramatic presentation of the New Testament is accompanied by a compelling new contemporary musical score and is produced in dramatic audio theater. The project is scheduled to release October 2008.

“This project speaks very near and dear to my heart. As a father of three young children who love the bible, I can’t think of a better resource to reach today’s youth in and impacting them with God’s word in a powerful and lasting way,” comments producer Carl Amari. “When I’m in the car with my kids, I’ve been playing excerpts from this new Youth bible for them and they’re glued to it like nothing before — I’m hoping that kids the world over will have the same experience.”

Directing the project for Falcon/Nelson is John Kirby, Hollywood’s prominent acting coach who has worked with much of Hollywood’s top talent including Jim Cavizel , and most recently, William Mosely who plays Peter from The Chronicles of Narnia.

Approaching the release of The Word of Promise: New Testament Audio Bible (which has quickly become a best-seller), this past fall, Thomas Nelson saw the need to bring the Word to youth in a way that will resonate with them in their world.

“The Youth Edition of The Word of Promise comes at a perfect time- The World keeps changing and the younger generation continues to drown in all the illusions that they think will make them happy. The Word of Promise sets them on a path of hope, love, & truth. Reminding them, that God keeps His promises,” Kirby said.

This is a full audio drama experience filled with color and emotion to help the words leap off the page and come to life. The multi-talented cast of young Hollywood actors for the project includes:

• Cody Linley (“Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Hannah Montana”) – Jesus
• Winner of the Critics Choice Award, Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings,” “Rudy”) – Narrator
• AnnaSophia Robb (“Bridge to Terabithia,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) - Mary Magdalene
• Andrew Lawrence (“Brotherly Love,” “Jack Frost”)- Matthew
• Marshall Allman (“Prison Break,”)– Paul
• Tahj Mowry (“Kim Possible,” “Are We There Yet”) – John
• Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana,” “Spy Kids 3D”) - Mary, Mother of Jesus
• Winner of the Young Artist Award, Luke Benward (“Because of Winn-Dixie”) – Mark
• Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical,” “Galaxy Quest”) – Peter
• Charlie Stewart (“Santa Clause 3,” “Suite Life of Zack/Cody”) – Luke

Contacts:
Jacklyn Johnston
Publicist
Tel: (615) 902-1722
Email: jjohnston@thomasnelson.com

Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel: (615) 902-1109
Email: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 1:54 pm and is filed under Bibles and Reference, Children's, Press Release. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.