(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that thirteen of its products or campaigns have been chosen to be finalists for Christian Retailing’s 2009 Retailer’s Choice Awards. Products or campaigns nominated for the 2009 Retailer’s Choice Awards must include clear Christian content, message, or worldview. Retailers judge nominations 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 Christlike living.

The winner in each category will be announced on Monday, July 13, during the International Christian Retail Show in Denver, Colorado. Winners will appear in the August 10 issue of Christian Retailing. The Thomas Nelson finalists are:

The Word of Promise Next Generation, New Testament - Audio
Chronological Study Bible - Bibles (Devotional/Study)
Baby’s First Bible - Bibles (General)
The Voice, New Testament - Bibles (General)

Sweet Dreams Princess by Sheila Walsh - Children’s Non-Fiction

What in the World Is Going On? by David Jeremiah - Church and Culture

Fireproof by Eric Wilson - Fiction (General)

Sinner: A Paradise Novel by Ted Dekker - Fiction (Mystery and Suspence)

Walking with God by John Eldredge - Personal Growth/Prayer

A Baby Changes Everything by Tim Nichols, K.K. Wiseman, and Craig Wiseman - Gift Books

Looking Up When Life is Looking Down by Beth Moore - Gift Books

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore - Backlist

Chronological Study Bible Campaign - Marketing/Promotion Campaign

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

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

A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery.
An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel.
A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.
A true story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.

For the week of March 22,2009, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent will be listed as the #12 nonfiction paperback on the New York Times Best Seller List – its 52nd consecutive week on the list. The highest point reached over the past year has been #11, which was reached on two separate occasions.

“Denver and I never dreamed a couple of nobodies like us could make the New York Times Best Seller List,” comments author Ron Hall. “It could only be possible because we told the story about Miss Debbie, a REAL somebody. Thanks to all our readers who read our story and told their friends. Thousands of homeless people all over America have benefited from your acts of kindness.”

Since its release in June 2006, sales momentum for Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore has continued to surpass every expectation. With extensive promotion and an ever-expanding grassroots word-of-mouth, Thomas Nelson, Inc. has recently shipped the 400,000th copy of the acclaimed title out into the marketplace. A new book by Hall, Moore, and Vincent entitled What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing will release September 29, 2009.

“There are many reasons that a book might appear on a national best seller list, including television appearances, heavy store promotions, well-known author, etc.  However, sometimes it’s because of one very specific and undeniable trait: It’s simply a great book. That’s the case here,” says Matt Baugher, Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher. “Same Kind of Different as Me is frankly one of the finest books that Thomas Nelson has ever had the privilege of publishing, and for a house that’s been around since 1798, that’s saying something. I firmly believe that we have yet to see the real tipping point on sales of this life-changing story.”

Same Kind of Different as Me (Thomas Nelson, Inc., ISBN# 978-0-8499-0041-9, 2006) is a tale told in two unique voices – Ron Hall & Denver Moore – weaving two completely different life experiences into one common journey where both men learn “whether we is rich or poor or something in between this earth ain’t no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless-just workin our way toward home.”

Meet Denver, raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana until he escaped the “Man” – in the 1960’s – by hopping a train. Non-trusting, uneducated, and violent, he spent another 18 years on the streets of Dallas and Fort Worth. Meet Ron Hall, a self-made millionaire in the world of high priced art deals — concerned with fast cars, beautiful women, and fancy clothes. And the woman who changed their lives — Miss Debbie: “The skinniest, nosiest, pushiest, woman I ever met, black or white.” She helped the homeless and gave of herself to all of “God’s People,” and had a way of knowing how to listen and helping others talk and be found – until cancer strikes.

The story takes a devastating twist when Deborah discovers she has cancer. Will Deborah live or die? Will Denver learn to trust a white man? Will Ron embrace his dying wife’s vision to rescue Denver? Or will Denver be the one rescuing Ron? There’s pain and laughter, doubt and tears, and in the end a triumphal story that readers will never forget.

Authors have donated all royalties to date to the Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth, Texas.

RON HALL AND DENVER MOORE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.
Stephanie Newton
Publicist II
tel:        (615) 902-2320
fax:        (615) 902-2129
email:    snewton@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) She is a powerful speaker, touring to more than 25 cities each year with the Women of Faith Conference. She is an award-winning author, a successful music artist, and a devoted mother and wife. Yet, even Sheila Walsh—a successful woman by anyone’s standards—suffers the same burdens that so many women share. Through her own trials, she has discovered new depths of God’s goodness for a woman’s most common problems, and she now shares them with the world.

In her new book, Let Go: Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know, (Thomas Nelson, February 2009, ISBN: 978-0-8499-0135-5, $19.99) Walsh utilizes carefully selected biblical insights and poignant personal stories to join her readers on a journey of discovery—learning together how to release themselves from the heavy yoke of life, to see God in every moment, and to fully allow Him to be in control.

All women at some point in life find themselves weighted down with a heartache that is not theirs to bear alone. Whether it be a difficult relationship, a painful past, financial trouble, or a recurring bad habit, women often find themselves suffering from feelings of loneliness, shame or hopelessness as they turn to face their issue alone. Walsh offers lessons of encouragement supported by the Bible and illustrated clearly through personal anecdotes. She empowers women to break free from their bonds of shame and allow God’s grace and peace to wash over them. Through all of these lessons, her point is simple and clear: Just let go.

Sheila Walsh, a successful speaker, is the award-winning author the of Gigi, God’s Little Princess series, The Heartache No One Sees, and Get Off Your Knees & Pray. Sheila lives in Frisco, Texas, with her husband, Barry, and son, Christian.

MEDIA NOTE: For more information about Let Go, or to arrange an interview, contact Rob Forrester, rob@forrestermcgowan.com, at (404) 452-3377 or Laura McGowan, laura@forrestermcgowan.com, at (847) 328-8009.

In addition to 40 prayers, one for each day leading up to the election, If My People includes prayers from past presidents that guided America through some of its most challenging days.  Regardless of political leaning, believers will find If My People inspiring and effective as they pray for America.   The If My People Campaign was the first campaign where Thomas Nelson Church Development opened up to Christian Retail what had traditionally been an exclusive direct-to-church campaign.

“We are thrilled with the response we have received from retail and from the churches across the country knowing that over 14,000,000 prayers will be prayed on behalf of our country,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President, Christian Retail Sales andMinistry Development Group.

“We were amazed at the response of both churches and individuals to the If My People prayer guides,” commented Chuck Wallington, President of Christian Supply Inc. “We sold over 20,000 units and it helped position us once again as a resource provider to the local church for materials that bless and inspire their congregations.  They were so well done, and the non-partisan approach allowed churches to freely give them out, encouraging people of all political persuasions to pray as we enter this election season.  We are totally convinced that the sales of these guides will impact the elections this Fall.”

“We look forward to future opportunities to partner with Christian Retail in serving the church market,” concluded Beth Ryan, Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Church Development. “The If My People Campaign revealed how working together magnifies the results for everyone and impacts many more lives.”

To learn more about If My People and the One Million People Prayer Challenge, please call 1-800-251-4000 ext. 2039 or visit www.ifmypeoplecampaign.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

(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

Stanley’s Newest Book, In Step With God: Understanding His Ways and Plans for Your Life, Says Knowing & Trusting God’s Character is the Key to Making Decisions

(Nashville, Tenn.) What is God like?  If He wants His best for my life, why do I experience such difficult circumstances sometimes?  Is it really possible to know Him?  In his new book, In Step With God: Understanding His Ways and Plans for Your Life (Thomas Nelson, Inc., October 2008), New York Times best-selling author and pastor Charles Stanley encourages Christians—both new and seasoned in their faith—that knowing and trusting the character of God is the only way to have peace in every circumstance.

“The more we know God, the more our lives change,” says Stanley.  “Many have said, ‘If only I knew what He wanted me to do, I would do it.’  Others have tried desperately to make sense out of tragic or challenging circumstances only to come away feeling more alone.  God will reveal Himself to us, but before He does, we must come to a point where we surrender to Him.  This means that we desire to know Him more than we desire to have our own way.”

Throughout In Step With God Stanley reminds us of simple truths and characteristics of God, ultimately pointing readers back to the Bible as he draws comparison to the lessons learned by Old Testament figures like Moses, Jeremiah, Joseph and others.   These include:

• We don’t have to fear the future.  God is in control and keeps His Word (Chapter Three: God Keeps His Promises).
• God works in our lives to fulfill his promises (Chapter Four: The Things God Uses to Reveal Himself to Us).
• God shows up at exactly the right time in the right way (Chapter Six: God’s Surprise Visits).
• There is always a purpose in our suffering (Chapter Eight: God Uses Our Suffering).

Dr. Charles Stanley is pastor of the 17,000-member First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and is president and founder of In Touch Ministries.  He has twice been elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention and is known internationally from his radio and television program “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.”  His many best-selling books include Landmines in the Path of the Believer, When the Enemy Strikes, Finding Peace, Seeking His Face, Success God’s Way, Enter His Gates, The Source of My Strength, and How to Listen to God.

In Step With God (Thomas Nelson, Inc., ISBN: 1-4002-0091-1) is scheduled for release October 2008. Hardcover: $19.99.

Contact Information:
Heather Adams
P.O. Box 141000
Nashville, TN 37214
ph: 615.902.2224
fax: 615.902.2850
e: hadams@thomasnelson.com

The company is offering a prayer booklet entitled If My People, A 40-Day Prayer Guide for the Nation to help lead believers in prayer for the country. In addition to 40 prayers, one for each day leading up to the election, the booklet includes prayers from past presidents that guided America through some of its most challenging days. Regardless of political leaning, believers will find If My People inspiring and effective as they pray for the country.

“Since our nation’s very first days, God’s greatest movements in our midst have been fashioned and sustained by prayer, from the signing of our earliest documents to our triumphs over days of darkness, to the spiritual awakenings that have sustained our faith and resolve over the centuries,” said Jack Countryman, author of If My People. “We stand in the midst of significant decisions that will affect the future of this great country. As believers, we must follow God’s Word in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and join in the footsteps of believers who went before us seeking the Lord’s protection, strength, courage and favor on this great land called America.”

“It will be difficult to imagine the impact of a million people praying for the upcoming election in a coordinated effort. I’m certain this has never happened before,” said Chuck Wallington, president of Covenant Group and Christian Supply, Inc. in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “We are excited about and thrilled to be a small part of the distribution of the If My People booklets that will serve as a catalyst for this movement this fall. May God richly bless and use this powerful little booklet in the hands of countless thousands who commit to pray for our country and these elections in November.”

“As we near the election of a new American President the greatest voice the body of Christ has is the voice of prayer. Prayer moves men and men move nations, concluded Richard Lee, founder of First Redeemer Church in Atlanta, Georgia and There’s Hope America. “It’s my personal belief that If My People, A 40-Day Prayer Guide is a God given instrument for this critical election season. I urge you to join in this mighty movement of prayer for our nation!”

To learn more about the One Million People Prayer Challenge, please call 1-800-251-4000 ext. 2039 or visit www.ifmypeoplecampaign.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

It is questionable if one can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices, such as fixed-hour prayer, fasting, and sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?

Matt Baugher, Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher, announced Wednesday that the Spiritual Growth division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. will begin an 8-book series on spiritual disciplines that will be referred to as “The Ancient Practices Series.” Each new title will be written by a leading author on spirituality and will include an introduction by acclaimed author Phyllis Tickle.

“Religion, wherever it is found, is more than a system of untethered beliefs. Rather, it is an intricate, interlocking lacework of physical laws, intellectual assumptions, and spiritual values that, held in common, are both the faith lived and its perpetuation,” remarks Tickle. “This series of seven volumes and an overarching introductory one is a reverent, grateful, and unabashedly Christian celebration of that heritage which has been with us from the beginning and will be with us until the end.”

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices by Brian McLaren will kick off the series on May 6, 2008, and will act as a guide for the explanation of the seven spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, readers will discover the beauty of these disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide. In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson, the first topical book, is about the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer and will release the same day. Both titles will be promoted for six months prior to the start of the additional quarterly releases.

“This is one of the most important series that Thomas Nelson has ever released,” said Baugher. “I believe the market is ready for a readable, insightful group of volumes detailing these ancient practices that can transform lives so deeply. In a time where churches are struggling to make disciples, these books will serve as in indispensable aid.”

PHYLLIS TICKLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices
by Brian McLaren
Available on May 6, 2008
Jacketed Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8499-0114-0, $17.99
Brian McLaren is an internationally known speaker and the author of over ten highly acclaimed books on contemporary Christianity, including A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, and The Secret Message of Jesus.

In Constant Prayer
by Robert Benson
Available on May 6, 2008
Jacketed Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8499-0113-3, $17.99
Robert Benson is an acclaimed author and retreat leader on the art and the practicality of living a more contemplative and prayerful life. He has published more than a dozen books about the search for the sacred in the midst of everyday lives.

Sabbath
by Dan Allender
Available on November 14, 2008
Dan Allender serves as president and professor at Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, Washington. He is a therapist in private practice, a frequent speaker, and a seminar leader across North America. He is the author of multiple bestsellers, including The Wounded Heart, Bold Love and To Be Told.

Fasting
by Scot McKnight
Available on February 13, 2009
Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. A popular speaker, he is the author of more than twenty books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others.

Sacred Meal
by Nora Gallagher
Available on May 14, 2009
Nora Gallagher is the author of two memoirs Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith and Practicing Resurrection, both published by Knopf and Vintage Books. Her essays, book reviews, and journalism have appeared in many publications. She is the editor of the award-winning Notes from the Field (Chronicle Books, 1999).

Sacred Journey
by Diana Butler Bass
Available on August 14, 2009
Diana Butler Bass works as an author, speaker, and independent scholar. She is the author of six books, and her best-selling book, The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church (Alban, 2004), has been lauded as one of the most important books ever written on mainline Protestantism. Her most recent book, Christianity for the Rest of Us, was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly.

The Liturgical Year
by Joan Chittister
Available on November 13, 2009
Joan Chittister is a Benedictine Sister and an international lecturer on topics concerning the contemporary issues in church and society. She has authored 35 books and has won seven Catholic Press Association Awards.

Tithing
by Douglas LeBlanc
Available on February 12, 2010
Douglas LeBlanc began covering religion in 1984 at the Morning Advocate in Baton Rouge, La. Since then he has worked as an editor for Compassion International, Episcopalians United (now Anglicans United), and Christianity Today. His work frequently appears in Christian Research Journal, The Weekly Standard, and The Wall Street Journal.

Contact: Stephanie Newton
Publicist II
tel: (615) 902-2320
fax: (615) 902-2129
email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Matt Baugher, Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher, announced Monday that Thomas Nelson, Inc. has recently shipped the one millionth copy of the acclaimed series Then Sings My Soul out into the marketplace.

“Christians around the world are tied together not only by faith but by the incredible stories from the journeys of those who have come before them,” said Baugher. “Everyone has a unique story and there are none more moving than the individuals behind the world’s most famous hymns. For these humble believers who have touched so many with their music and lyrics, it is only fitting that over a million people be touched by their experiences as well. We all owe a debt of gratitude to author Robert Morgan for bringing us these incredible accounts.”

Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Thomas Nelson, Inc., ISBN# 978-0-7852-4939-9, 2003) is a tale told in Rob Morgan’s inimitable style to help people reacquaint themselves with the hymns of the faithful. Morgan’s goal is to keep these traditional hymns vital and meaningful to all generations.

Don’t look for a dry recounting of boring stories. These devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history — the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to your soul and add depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

Robert J. Morgan, pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, is the author of the bestselling Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2, Come Let Us Adore Him, From This Verse, On This Day, and Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. He conducts Bible conferences, parenting and marriage retreats, and leadership development seminars across the country.

ROBERT J. MORGAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.

Volume One: Trade Paper, ISBN 978-0-7852-4939-9, $19.99
Keepsake Edition, ISBN 978-1-4185-0908-8, $39.99
Volume Two: Trade Paper, ISBN 9780785251682, $19.99

Contact: Stephanie Newton
Publicist II
tel: (615) 902-2320
fax: (615) 902-2129
email: snewton@thomasnelson.com