Nashville, Tenn. – It was 407 years ago that King James of England gathered 54 of the best biblical scholars and linguists of the day to create a new translation of the Bible.  It was 7 years ago that Thomas Nelson gathered more than 100 of the best biblical scholars and linguists of today to create a new translation of the Bible.  The King James Bible was completed in 1611; The Voice was completed in 2011.

Thomas Nelson released The Voice New Testament on Oct. 1. The full Bible is at the printers, due to be released in March 2012.  “Creating a new translation is unbelievably complicated and difficult,” says Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson Vice-President and Bible Group Publisher. “Every translation of every word from the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic needed to be checked and rechecked. After the artists and authors wrote their verses, it was all checked again. Whether 1611 or 2011, the process is much the same.”

The original biblical verses were written by more than 40 different human authors – scholars, pastors, writers, poets and songwriters. The Voice recreates that, also using writers, poets and songwriters as well as pastors and scholars. It gives back the poetry and drama of the original writings that have been homogenized out through the centuries.

“We spent days negotiating the words,” says David Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor at Houston Baptist University. “These texts, some are 2,000 or 3,000 years old. We (the scholars) needed the writers to help us get the grit. The Bible is not rated PG. There are unsavory characters doing unsavory things. But we believe these are our spiritual ancestors. When I read about David, I know I am his kind.”

The King James Version was meant to be read aloud to a people who often couldn’t read. The Voice, too, is meant to be read aloud, to a people who are looking for a new way to learn God’s Word – to a people who have become, according to many, biblically illiterate. The Voice will entice readers; they will read chapters and books without realizing it’s been an hour, or two, or three.

“It was as though Matthew was speaking to me,” says Steve Decker, professor at Middle Tennessee State University, with a degree in secondary education from Tennessee Technological University and a Master’s of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, talking about The Voice. “Before I knew it I was into Mark and it was a different voice. It was as though they were talking to me in person.

“It was an unparalleled experience. It’s a bit like getting a high-definition television – the clarity of it. It’s a unique way to experience God. It’s been said that the Word of God is like a lion – you just open the cage and let it out and it can take care of itself.  In The Voice, you’ve let the lion out.”

Why “The Voice?”

The Voice, the very God through whom all was created, is called logos in Greek and has been translated as the “Word,” but truly is the expression of God: the logic, the verbalization, the speaking, the Voice. John tells us it is this Voice who creates the heavens and earth. God Speaks and worlds are born. As Genesis tells it, the cosmos begins and is shaped by God’s Voice. John could not agree more, but his unique insight comes as he identifies Jesus as that Expression or Voice.” – commentary found in The Voice New Testament

“While the ancient term logos does mean the Word, there is much more held in that expression than what we, in our time, immediately think of,” says Frank Couch, The Voice editor and Thomas Nelson Vice President for Translation Development. “In ancient Greek it literally meant the expression of an idea. The concept and the fullness of its expression is the point here and not the unique arrangement of letters.”

Hence The Voice – God is always speaking to us, vibrant and alive in the here and now.

“You will hear God as He whispers His love to you.” – Chris Seay, President Ecclesia Bible Society and scholar involved in The Voice translation

Chris Seay was the original driving force behind the translation. For many years as a pastor in Houston, he wished for a Bible translation that would be easy to understand and could be acted out by those wanting to better understand God’s Word. A friend finally said to him that maybe he was the one to make this happen. Thomas Nelson came on board with the idea, and seven years later a new force has been born, a force to spread God’s Word in a new generation in a new way.

“Our culture has changed, the times have changed,” Couch says. “This is a fresh expression of the passion, humor, grit and beauty of Scripture. It allows readers to see themselves in the story. It lets the truth and wisdom of Scripture come through.”

Visit The Voice on Facebook; visit www.HearTheVoice.com and follow The Voice on Twitter @HearTheVoice – pre-release verses are being posted frequently.                                                                                

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher.  The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events.   Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

Available for interviews:

Frank Couch, The Voice editor and Thomas Nelson Vice President for Translation Development

Chris Seay, President Ecclesia Bible Society and scholar involved in The Voice translation

David Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor at Houston Baptist University

Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson Vice-President and Bible Group Publisher

Other scholars and writers as schedule permits

Heaven Is for Real also is listed currently at #1 by New York Times (paperback nonfiction), #4 (all books) by USA Today, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by Publisher’s Weekly, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by National Public Radio, and #1 (all books) by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, the four millionth copy of the acclaimed title has recently been printed.

“My favorite moments in publishing are those in which ideas and stories are so powerful that they transcend cultural, geographical, and linguistic boundaries,” says Daisy Hutton, Vice President of Licensing and Export Sales. “Such moments bring us together and help us to remember what unites us all as human beings.  This story of hope and transformation has touched so many lives in so many places.  José Prata and his team at Lua de Papel have done a beautiful job reaching readers in Portugal with Colton and the Burpos’ story. We look forward to the many other translated editions that will publish this fall and to the continued response of readers around the world to this amazing little book.”

The contract, including licensing rights, for Heaven Is for Real was handled by Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications.

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (Thomas Nelson, 978-0-8499-4615-8, $16.99, November 2010) is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven. The family didn’t know what to believe, but soon the evidence was clear.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton’s father, Todd, and by New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, Heaven Is for Real walks readers through the revelation of Colton’s trip, his parent’s initial uncertainties, and the lessons learned by such a small child.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, an active eleven year old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King’s College in New York City.

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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 our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Stephanie Newton

Senior Publicist

tel: (615) 902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

twitter: @stephnewton

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Thomas Nelson, Inc., is pleased to announce the acquisition of American Idol finalist and accomplished singer/songwriter Scott MacIntyre. MacIntyre has signed a one-book publishing agreement for his literary debut, By Faith, Not By Sight – an autobiography chronicling his journey as a musical prodigy, blind from birth, and the medical miracle that helped save his life in 2007. The book will be in stores May 2012.

Though only 26 years old, MacIntyre has lived a story worth telling. He has achieved more as a blind twenty-something than most do in a lifetime without physical impairments. His tale begins at the age of three when he first played the piano by ear and includes an impressive education, graduating college at age 19 and receiving his master’s in music overseas.

“Scott MacIntyre continues to inspire people all over the world with his remarkable commitment to perseverance in times of adversity and overcoming what many would consider a disability,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson. “His appearance on American Idol is just one small part of this amazing young man’s life. I can’t wait for others to experience his character and passion. We’re thrilled to be partnering with him on this important book.”

While MacIntyre’s list of accolades is impressive—honored guest at the White House, played with musicians such as Alice Cooper and Jason Mraz, headlined concerts in the U.S. and abroad—he attributes glory and success to his Christian faith which remains central to his message.

Baugher believes in the life-changing potential of MacIntyre’s written story: “For Scott, his blindness is merely part of who he is and his much broader story will astound, challenge, and most of all inspire.”

Scott MacIntyre is represented by Frank Breeden, Managing Partner of Premiere Authors Literary Agency (Nashville & Washington, DC).

You can learn more about Scott MacIntyre online at www.scottmacintyre.com, and follow him on Twitter @ScottDMacIntyre.

SCOTT MACINTYRE AND MATT BAUGHER ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

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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 our website www.thomasnelson.com

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

Heaven Is for Real also is listed currently at #1 by New York Times (paperback nonfiction), #6 (all books) by USA Today, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by Publisher’s Weekly, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by National Public Radio, and #1 (all books) by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, the 4 millionth copy of the acclaimed title has recently been printed.

“We’re thrilled to see Heaven is for Real hit #1 on The Globe and Mail best seller list,” said Rod Schumacher, Director of Export for Thomas Nelson, Inc. “To my knowledge, this is the first time a Thomas Nelson title has occupied the top spot on an international best sellers list; it’s great that Colton’s story of hope and inspiration is one that resonates with people all over the world.”

In March 2003, Todd and Sonja Burpo were on the verge of their worst nightmare – losing a child. Their 4-year-old son Colton’s appendix had unknowingly burst days before, and he was now fighting a life-threatening infection. To save Colton, surgery was the only option. But what would happen during that surgery was more than healing through modern medicine.

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (Thomas Nelson, 978-0-8499-4615-8, $16.99, November 2010) is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven. The family didn’t know what to believe, but soon the evidence was clear.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton’s father, Todd, and by New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, Heaven Is for Real walks readers through the revelation of Colton’s trip, his parent’s initial uncertainties, and the lessons learned by such a small child.

The Burpo family is represented by Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, an active eleven year old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King’s College in New York City.

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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 our website www.thomasnelson.com

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Many Christians live with the tension between what they know the Scriptures promise, and what they are actually experiencing in their lives. God seems distant, and the life described in Scriptures seems more like a series of rumors than reality. As pastors of different mega churches in large suburban US cities, these two friends share a passion to help people break free of the spiritual ruts they are trapped within, and perhaps for the first time, come to life. In Rumors of God (Thomas Nelson), fellow Aussies Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson lay out the spiritual obstacles they see the North American church facing, and provide insightful ways to overcome them.

Believers and non-believers have said that a lot of Christians cynically feel the greatest days of the church are in the past. The authors disagree. This book is their small rebellion against that notion. Rumors of God is a rally cry for the church in which Whitehead and Tyson share compelling stories, cultural observations, and illuminating Scriptural insights about the work and activity of God today. They believe that if you listen to the rumors of God, you will hear that God is doing something new in the church, and they desire to confirm these rumors with their own lives. Whitehead and Tyson believe God is writing an epic, global, redemptive story in which every single person has been invited to participate.

Key points of Rumors of God:

• Our attention has drifted from God and rested on the trappings of the world. All the while, our Father has something better awaiting us if we simply ask.

• Rather than trusting God to supply our needs, we get caught in the frenzy of accumulation. In contrast to this mind-set, Jesus says life is more important than material pursuits.

• When we forget the wonder of our identity and position in Christ, we end up relegating the church to a mere organization, while our union with God falls to the theoretical.

• If we are going to transform rumors of grace into powerful encounters with its reality, we need to reexamine our approach to sin, judgment, the gospel, and truth.

• Deep in the believer’s soul is a longing to see the fame and deeds of God renewed and known in our time, and a belief that we were all created for a radical pursuit of Jesus and His kingdom.

In his forward, Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., and chairman of the board for the Willow Creek Association says, “In Rumors of God, Darren and Jon have somehow succeeded in slipping 3D glasses over our eyes. The results are that passages from scripture come alive in ways that will impact readers for a long time.”

Originally from Australia, Darren Whitehead has been on staff at Willow Creek Community Church for 6 years.  As Teaching Pastor, Darren and Senior Pastor Bill Hybels share the weekend service responsibilities to provide teaching for all five campuses. He also leads the Next Gen Ministries and Creative Arts Departments. Prior to Willow Creek, Darren served as Teaching Pastor and Director of Student Ministries at The People’s Church in Nashville, TN. He lives just outside of Chicago, IL with his wife Brandy and their three half Aussie, half American daughters. For more information about Willow Creek, go to www.willowcreek.org. Twitter: @DarrenWhitehead

Jon Tyson is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Grace Church with five locations in New York City. Originally from Australia, Jon moved to the United States 14 years ago and worked at several suburban mega churches in next-gen ministry before planting TGC 4 years ago. He is also on the board of City Collective, a network of incarnational churches committed to multiplying missional church networks in the urban centers of the world. You can see more about their church at www.trinitygracechurch.com and the network at www.citycollective.org. He lives in Manhattan with his wife, Christy, and two children. Twitter: @JonTyson

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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 our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Rumors of God

By Darren Whitehead &  Jon Tyson

Available from Thomas Nelson

Release date: July 2011

Pages: 256

Trade Paper ISBN: 9781595553638 / $15.99 / 5.5” x 8.38”

E-Book ISBN: 9781595553645 / $14.99

BISAC category: RELIGION / CHRISTIAN LIFE / SPIRITUAL GROWTH

AUTHOR INTERVIEWS, IMAGES, ARTICLES, AND EXCERPTS AVAILABLE.

Contact: Brenda Smotherman, Thomas Nelson,

bsmotherman@thomasnelson.com

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well to Release October 18, 2011

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Thomas Nelson, Inc., announced today that in October 2011 world-renowned preacher, evangelist and author Billy Graham will release his first major trade book in more than five years: Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well.

“Billy Graham, by the grace of God, has singlehandedly guided millions to faith,” says Matt Baugher, Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson, Inc. “His legacy as an evangelist is unmatched. Now in his nineties, he is reaching out to help all of us again by picking up the pen one more time, and we at Thomas Nelson could not be more honored to play a part in this eternal message. Nearing Home is hands down one of the most important works that Mr. Graham has ever written and one of his most vulnerable. Time catches up to all of us.  At his age, with all that has come before, he is in a unique position to guide all of us on what it means to finish well in this life. God bless Billy Graham.”

In this moving narrative, Billy Graham shares his personal experience of growing older, but also teaches some important lessons on how to view our time here on Earth. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. So what is His purpose for these years, and how can we align our lives with it? How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face but actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties?

“The best way to meet the challenges of old age is to prepare for them now, before they arrive,” says Dr. Graham. “I invite you to explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment—and even joy—that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day.”

“We have worked with Dr. Graham on the creation of this project for several years. As the content developed, we had a growing sense that this book would be destined to impact literally generations of people. It is perhaps the best guide available on living every day to the fullest,” says Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, David Moberg. Thomas Nelson, Inc., (through its acquisition of Word Publishing in 1992) has been Dr. Graham’s trade book publisher since 1975, and has enjoyed numerous million-copy bestsellers with Dr. Graham over those thirty-five years.

This major trade release, with a hard street date of October 18, 2011, will be supported by an extensive national marketing campaign. The campaign will include national advertising, multiple retailer merchandising options, and advance reader’s copy distribution. Nearing Home will be simultaneously released internationally, and in Spanish through Thomas Nelson’s division, Grupo Nelson.

MATT BAUGHER, representing Thomas Nelson, and A. LARRY ROSS, representing Billy Graham, are available for interviews.

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Billy Graham
Available: October 18, 2011
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Hardcover, ISBN 9780849948320, $19.99
Spanish, Trade paper, ISBN 9781602557017, $13.99

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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 our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

“Many great books change lives but there are a rare few that change an entire culture at the same time.  The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns is that type of book, causing each of us to rethink not only our approach to helping those in need but to our entire understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Matt Baugher, Vice President and Publisher. “We are honored to be the publisher of this amazing work and are humbled by its designation as ECPA’s Book of the Year.  May it continue to help us help others.”

The Christian Book Awards are presented annually, since 1978, to the highest quality in Christian publishing in six categories – Bibles, Bible Reference & Study, Christian Life, Fiction, Children & Youth, and Inspiration & Gift. The awards are selected by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and significance of contribution.  

(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