(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the launch of a multi-faceted social media campaign to coincide with the release of Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear. The company is utilizing the influence of its online “friends” and “followers” to help spread the world about this important release.

On Monday, August 10 at 10 a.m., Michael Hyatt kicked off the campaign on his blog, http://michaelhyatt.com/, with a video book review and a unique offer. He offered the first chapter of Fearless for anyone to download or share. He gave the first hundred commenters a free copy of the book with no strings attached. Lastly, he made available a thousand copies for bloggers through Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program.

As people shared with their online networks news of this offer, thousands of people rushed to michaelhyatt.com to try to claim their copy of Fearless before the offer expired. The surge of traffic crashed the site’s server three times and by noon two hundred copies were given away to readers. Over five hundred copies were given away to bloggers. By nightfall, Thomas Nelson had given away more than twelve hundred copies of Fearless in total.

“Since the initial development of Fearless, both retailers and customers have noticed an exciting buzz around the book because it’s message is both timely and relevant. I don’t know anyone who is immune to fear and its debilitating effects,” commented Hyatt. “When we decided to giveaway copies, I assumed we would get a lot of interest. But even I was caught off-guard by the surge of traffic that overwhelmed my blog’s server. The response was tremendous. And I hope this only a sign of things to come for Fearless.”

On Friday, August 14, exclusive video of Max Lucado’s “Fearless Town Hall” will be available at the website for the Fearless campaign, www.TheFearlessTimes.com and www.MaxLucado.com/TownHall.  Lucado answered profound questions from live audience members, questions related to fear of job loss, fear of losing God’s love, fear for loved ones, and other relatable issues. Excerpts from the video town hall, plus chapter excerpts from Fearless, are available for download at www.TheFearlessTimes.com and can be linked to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The Fearless Times website also allows people to submit questions about their fears to Lucado directly.  Questions will be answered randomly from all submissions received via the web, Twitter, Facebook, and other social marketing sites.

Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years.  His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today.  Max and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he is Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

Contact:    Jana Muntsinger
tel:    (281) 251-0480
email: jana@mmupublicrelations.com
web:    www.thomasnelson.com

Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author spoke at more than 22 events during a nine-day trip to Brazil (July 19 - 28, 2009), reaching more than 50,000 people with a message of hope from his forthcoming book Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear (Thomas Nelson, U.S. $24.99, September 2009).  The book releases internationally next month, but the Portuguese edition of Fearless released early to accommodate Lucado’s Brazil trip.  The Portugese edition has appeared within the top ten spots of every major Brazilian bestseller list to date.

Lucado’s inspirational books have enjoyed international popularity for decades, but the author’s international ministry truly began in Brazil.  Max and Denalyn Lucado served as church planting missionaries in Rio de Janeiro during the early 1980s, and two of their daughters were born in Brazil.  Lucado was thrilled to be back in Brazil once more, visiting old friends and meeting new acquaintances: “This is like a homecoming to me, seeing church friends and encouraging the precious Brazilian people.”  He specifically encouraged Brazilian audiences to fear less in regard to violence (chapter 18 of Fearless addresses this topic).  Violence is a significant concern for Brazilians due to ongoing rioting in Sao Paolo and other parts of the country. 

Sponsored by Thomas Nelson Brasil and Lidere, the goal of this trip was to bring Lucado’s ministry full circle.  Says Larry Downs, Vice President and Publisher of Grupo, Thomas Nelson, “Max Lucado made a powerful impact during this visit.  He asked Brazilians to dare to imagine their life without fear, and thousands walked away with hope and a renewed commitment to rest in the goodness of God.”  During his Brazilian visit, Lucado was interviewed almost daily via radio and TV extending his audience well beyond the 50,000 who attended public events.  Local leaders also promoted his appearances via twitter, facebook, and other social networking groups.  Photos from the trip are posted online: http://carrenho.typepad.com/blogdoseditores/

International publicity for Fearless continues when the book launches worldwide in September.  Lucado begins a North American PR tour with an interview on “The Dave Ramsey Show” via radio and television (airs September 9), a cover story for Outreach Magazine (Nov. issue), an appearance on “The Hour of Power” (airs December 20), plus other nationally broadcast interviews.  Lucado launches a Fearless PR tour in Mexico for Fearless in late September, sponsored by Grupo Nelson, the Spanish division of Thomas Nelson and Maranatha Distributors. For more information on the Fearless tour in Mexico, visit www.sintemor.com

Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years.  His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today.  Max and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he is Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

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CONTACT:
Jana Muntsinger, McClure Muntsinger PR
281-251-0480, jana@mmpublcirelations.com

Before he even left the United States, Lucado made it his goal to help World Vision sponsor 25,000 more children. Interested sponsors can go to the website link: http://maxlucado.com/ethiopia/.

“Ethiopia may measure a bit smaller since I’m bringing a lot of it home in my heart,” said Max Lucado via Twitter upon his return. “I never expected such poverty coupled with such joy. There are more honest smiles among the poor of Ethiopia than the shopping malls of America. What a remarkable, life-changing trip.”

World Vision, which provides aid to children and families in nearly 100 countries, has been working in Ethiopia since 1971, with more than 187,000 children benefiting from World Vision sponsorships. The agency also supports 65 Ethiopian development programs to assist with medical needs, clean water, nourishment, education and rehabilitation.

Highlights of Lucado’s trip to Ethiopia included visiting with an HIV/AIDS program in Boset, tours of irrigation and farming innovations in Adama, and school visits with local children. Lucado also preached to a standing-room-only crowd of Ethiopians on Sunday, May 10, at the Full Gospel Church near Adama. Max and Denalyn Lucado were also able to meet their sponsored child, Mimi and her family, during the trip.

Max believes his writing and speaking ministry has been permanently impacted by this trip. “God is up to something big in Ethiopia, in America, and around the world,” says Lucado. “I believe we can all make a difference if we jump into the middle of what He is doing.”

Thomas Nelson CEO Hyatt was deeply moved by what he saw on the trip: “We came to minister to the poor and needy. But it is they who have ministered to us, exposing our own poverty and need.”

“It was a great privilege to accompany Max and his family on his first-ever trip to Africa,” said Richard Stearns, president of World Vision. “As expected, Max was a quick study and immediately embraced and understood World Vision’s strategies for empowering the poor and tackling the causes of poverty. We appreciate that he has graciously agreed to use his influence in helping 25,000 more children through World Vision’s sponsorship programs.”

In late April 2009, Max Lucado returned from another mission trip to Honduras with Mike Silva International, speaking to more than 160,000 in attendance at the multi-day event. He also spent several years in Brazil as a missionary church planter.

Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years. His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today. Max and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he is Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.

Contact: Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
Tel: (615) 902-2127
Fax: (615) 902-2219
Email: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) — Pastor and author Max Lucado has sold more than four million units worldwide branded with 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, including one million units of the cornerstone book of the same title (released in September 2007).  Thomas Nelson and an unprecedented group of licensed partners have created and distributed a wide variety of 3:16 branded products, including booklets, greeting cards, wearable items, video resources, church musicals, and evangelistic products to name a few.  The unprecedented rate of sales for the 3:16 brand makes it the fastest-selling product in the history of Lucado’s 23-year publishing career.

“3:16 is more than a book,” explains Lucado’s long-time publisher and Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction Trade Books at Thomas Nelson, David Moberg.  “It is a mission of global proportions that invites Christians around the world to unite around the central message of our faith – embodied in the words of John 3:16.”  Worldwide product and ministry partners for the 3:16 brand include Dayspring/Hallmark, Bob Siemon Designs, SermonCentral.com, Indelible Creative Group, LifeWay Church Resources, Outreach, Lionsgate, Kerusso, LifeWay Worship, UpWords, and Ambassador Advertising.

3:16 has been featured by many prominent media outlets in 2007 and 2008.  It will be promoted heavily this fall and for Easter 2009 both in stores and via key media interviews by Max Lucado.  An Easter television special is planned for 2009 and the paperback version of 3:16 will be available in stores June 2009.

Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years.  His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today.  He and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio where he serves as Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

Contact:     Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
Tel: (615) 902-2127
Fax: (615) 902-2219
E-mail: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. was awarded nine of Christian Retailing’s 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards. The awards were announced on Monday, July 14th at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. Thomas Nelson received more than twice the wins of any other publishing house and walked away with almost a third of the cumulative awards.

“There are two things about Retailer’s Choice Awards that make them among the highest honors in this industry,” said Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “First, the awards are selected by Christian retailers, who work on the front lines to help Christians strengthen their spiritual journey. Second, the awards are judged on a product’s ability to inspire, encourage, and affirm Godly living. I am so proud of the entire Thomas Nelson team.”
The Thomas Nelson winners are:

• The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible (Books/Bibles)
• Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible by Jerome Smith (Bible Reference/Bible Studies)
• The Message- NKJV Parallel Bible (Bibles – General)
• 3:16 – The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado (Christian Living)
• Get Out of That Pit: A 40-Day Devotional Journal by Beth Moore (Personal Growth/Prayer)
• A New Kind of Normal by Carol Kent (Women’s Non-Fiction)
• Chosen by Ted Dekker (Youth/Teen)
• This Christmas Night by Billy and Ruth Graham (Gift Books)
• The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (Vacation Bible School)

Products nominated for the 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards must have been published or released in 2007 and include clear Christian content, message or worldview. Retailers judged the 245 nominations in 31 categories on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion, open people’s minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living. For more a complete listing of the 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards, visit www.retailerschoiceawards.com.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
cell: (615) 476-5984
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

Max Lucado is pleased to continue partnering with his long-time publisher: “Teaming up with Thomas Nelson brings me such joy and excitement,” said Lucado. “It is an honor to partner with such an outstanding publishing house.” When asked what he specifically values about Nelson, Max added, “They epitomize integrity, quality, and creativity. I’m thrilled about our future together.”

Thomas Nelson is equally enthusiastic about the ongoing relationship. “Month after month, Max continues to be a publishing phenomenon with a consistent track record of bestsellers in multiple product categories,” stated Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “We are honored to, once again, extend our publishing partnership with a multi-book publishing agreement. Max’s love of words and his love for God are evident in every book he writes.”

Max Lucado’s latest trade book release, 3:16 – The Numbers of Hope, which debuted in September 2007 has now sold 3.7 million brand units. Thomas Nelson and an unprecedented group of licensed partners have created and distributed a wide variety of 3:16 branded products. Product and ministry partners include UpWords, Ambassador Advertising, Dayspring/Hallmark, Bob Siemon Design, Indelible Creative Group, Outreach, SermonCentral.com, Lionsgate, Kerusso, LifeWay Church Resources, and LifeWay Worship.

“3:16 is more than a book,” explains Lucado’s long-time publisher and Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction Trade Books at Thomas Nelson, David Moberg. “It is a mission of global proportions that invites Christians around the world to unite around the central message of our faith – embodied in the words of John 3:16.”

Max Lucado has more than 50 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years. His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today. He and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio where he serves as Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

Contact: Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
Tel: (615) 902-2127
Fax: (615) 902-2219
E-mail: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

(Dallas, TX) Thomas Nelson Live Events will host 29 Women of Faith conferences throughout the United States in 2008. Thousands of women will gather for the events filled with inspiration, laughter and time to relate to other women.“It’s such a great time for women to get away for a weekend and be with our girlfriends,” says Nancy Persinger, from Medinah, IL.”We all need to do that at least once a year – if not more.”2008 marks the 13th year for Women of Faith conferences. As the nation’s largest women’s event, nearly 4 million women have attended the conferences since the organization began, and more than 350,000 women are expected to attend this year’s events.Featuring a fluid mix of contemporary music, comedy, drama and inspirational stories, the events provide an experience not easily forgotten by the women who attend.“It was fun. It was great to be there with women of all ages, being able to interact with them,” said Billie Davis, an attendee in Dallas, TX. “The messages were inspiring, but done in a way that one could laugh through their tears.”The 2008 tour is led by a diverse speaker team which includes New York Times bestselling authors, licensed therapists, a nationally televised comedian, a former business executive, a dramatist and a Grammy-award-winning performer.2008 Events Featuring:

• Sheila Walsh – Former co-host of the 700 Club shares openly about her battle with depression
• Sandi Patty – Five-time Grammy winner
• Marilyn Meberg – Speaker, author, and licensed family therapist
• Patsy Clairmont – Speaker and author who overcame debilitating agoraphobia
• Luci Swindoll – Former executive with Mobil Oil, author, and speaker
• Nicole C. Mullen – Music artist and winner of 8 Gospel Music Association awards
• Max Lucado – New York Times bestselling author
• Anita Renfroe – Comedian and special comedy contributor for ABC’s Good Morning America
• And more!

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Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes. For more information, visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Thomas Nelson Live Events is a faith-based organization encouraging persons of all ages and stages in life to grow in faith and spiritual maturity. For more information and to register for Women of Faith conferences, visit our website www. womenoffaith.com or call 888-49-FAITH.

What the media is saying about Women of Faith:

• “Women need support and Women of Faith breaks down these barriers.” – Washington Times
• “That the speakers openly discuss their problems, including depression and drug addiction, is what makes Women of Faith unique. It shows you don’t have to have it all together.” – Associated Press

MEDIA NOTE: Women of Faith is open to the media. Additional press materials and event photos can be downloaded at www.womenoffaith.com/newsroom.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Long
Work: 972-398-4700 x322
Cell: 214-208-1990
Email: jlong@thomasnelsonlive.com

(Nashville, TN) Outreach Magazine announced in its May/June 2008 issue that the 3:16 family of products (Thomas Nelson) has been named Outreach Resource of the Year for 2007. Outreach Magazine noted “With an unprecedented number of entities promoting the 3:16 campaign, inspired by Max Lucado’s book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, it should be no surprise that we found it to be the 2007 resource with the biggest impact on evangelism and outreach in America-and the greatest potential to continue that impact.” Outreach Magazine, published by Outreach Marketing, presents annual awards for the best Christian evangelism resources in a number of categories along with one Resource of the Year. Outreach Marketing is one of the licensing partners of 3:16 product, creating banners, note cards, and many other resources.

Outreach Magazine’s readership is comprised of pastors, lay leaders, para-church leaders, and others. It is these readers who vote on the resources that receive the annual Outreach awards. Church leaders, who make up 80% of Outreach’s demographic, are constantly seeking the most relevant and helpful resources to reach out to their community. In addition to receiving the Resource of the Year award, 3:16 resources earned accolades in the following categories as well:

• LifeWay’s 3:16 The Church Experience won the award for Small Group Outreach. This product included several elements: Travis Cottrell’s 3:16 musical CD, the 3:16 Trade Book, the 3:16 Promise evangelistic booklet, and 3:16 The Code for Your Life, which is a children’s puzzle, game and activity book featuring the entire Gospel of John.

• 3:16 The Numbers of Hope trade book won the award for Personal Evangelism.

Author Max Lucado responded to the awards with a longing for more outreach opportunities. “My prayer would be that 3:16, the verse, would become a cause. It offers the greatest gift we can give to non-Christians: hope.”

All 3:16 products are based upon the bestselling book by Max Lucado, 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, which released from Thomas Nelson on September 11, 2007. Since that time, Thomas Nelson Inc. has released several more 3:16 branded products including a Spanish edition of the trade book, a DVD curriculum, an evangelistic booklet, group study resources, Bible products, and children’s and youth book releases. Additional 3:16 products have been created and marketed by 3:16 licensees which include Outreach Marketing, Kerusso, Indelible Creative Group, Lionsgate, LifeWay Church Resources, LifeWay Worship, Hallmark/Dayspring, Good News Publishers, Bob Siemon Designs, and others. To see a full listing of 3:16 resources visit www.ThreeSixteen.net.

Chris Thomason, President and CEO of Indelible Creative Group, which created the 3:16 musical CD, notes: “Indelible is honored to be a part of the 3:16 initiative. These products have become and continue to be tools that reach people with the life-changing message of John 3:16 and encourage all of us in our daily lives. We see continued momentum as churches, ministries, and individuals use these products to share their faith.”

Bret Robbe, Director of Leadership and Adult Publishing at LifeWay Church Resources, commented: “LifeWay’s partnership with Thomas Nelson and Max Lucado continues to touch millions of people. Now Outreach Magazine joins a chorus lifting up the most famous verse in the most famous Book, John 3:16. Most importantly, Jesus Christ is being lifted up (John 3:14) and now we pray all people will be drawn to Him.”

With more than 50 million books in print, Max Lucado’s titles are read worldwide in more than 20 languages. Christianity Today magazine dubbed Lucado “America’s Pastor,” and Publishers Weekly, the general market publication for books and bookselling, recently proclaimed “there aren’t many authors bigger than Lucado.” In 2005, Reader’s Digest recently called him “America’s Best Preacher.”.” His books are regular fixtures on national bestseller lists including The New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including USA Today, “Fox & Friends”, “Larry King Live” and “NBC Nightly News,” and has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. For more information on 3:16 The Numbers of Hope or Max Lucado, visit www.ThreeSixteen.net or www.MaxLucado.com.

Contact: Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
tel: (615) 902-2127
fax: (615) 902-2746
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) More than 2 million branded products from the 3:16–The Numbers of Hope line have been sold as of January 31, 2008. All products are based upon the bestselling book by Max Lucado, 3:16–The Numbers of Hope, which released from Thomas Nelson on September 11, 2007.

“3:16 has repeatedly exceeded expectations and is continuing to grow in 2008,” says David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher at Thomas Nelson. “The level of excitement from Nelson and its exceptional partners is unprecedented. 3:16-the movement-is just starting.”

Since September 2007, Thomas Nelson Inc. has sold more than 1.5 million units of its own branded 3:16 product including the hard cover book, evangelistic booklet, group study resources, Bible products, and children’s and youth book releases. And another half-million 3:16 products have been sold by 3:16 licensees including Kerusso, Indelible Creative Group, LifeWay Church Resources, LifeWay Worship, Hallmark/Dayspring, Good News Publishers, Bob Siemon Designs, Outreach Marketing and others. Additionally, churches both in the United States and worldwide are adopting the 3:16 message through significant direct to church sales and ministry initiatives.

3:16–The Numbers of Hope is currently licensed in 18 languages with more languages expected to add in 2008. Larry Downs, Vice President and Publisher of Grupo Nelson, the Spanish division of Thomas Nelson noted: “The message of 3:16 reaches out to all peoples. We’ve been particularly pleased with the response from Spanish speaking communities worldwide.”

On Friday, February 8, more than 13,000 people attended a special “3:16 Live” event at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. Max Lucado spoke on the message of 3:16. The event featured artists including Michael W. Smith, Travis Cottrell, Mandisa, Sandi Patty, and Anthony Evans as well as dramatist Nicole Johnson. After the event, hundreds of attendees waited for hours for Lucado to personally sign books.

Max Lucado’s 3:16 message has been featured in a wide variety of media including “Fox & Friends,” “ABC News,” “The Hour of Power,” USA Radio Network, Texas Monthly magazine, Guideposts magazine, HomeLife magazine, and Christianity Today magazine.

For more information on 3:16 or Max Lucado, visit, www.ThreeSixteen.net or www.MaxLucado.com. With more than 50 million books in print, Max Lucado’s titles are read worldwide in more than 20 languages. Christianity Today magazine dubbed Lucado “America’s Pastor,” and Publishers Weekly, the general market publication for books and bookselling, recently proclaimed “there aren’t many authors bigger than Lucado.” In 2005, Reader’s Digest recently called him “America’s Best Preacher.” His books are regular fixtures on national bestseller lists including The New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including USA Today, “Fox & Friends”, “Larry King Live” and “NBC Nightly News,” and has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States.