BookS

Strong: How God equipped 11 ordinary men with extraordinary power

(and can do the same for you)

Boys need strong role models.
In an age when the world is confused about what it means to be a strong man, boys need the examples of godly men who have gone before them. The eleven men in Strong are examples of true strength—men who stood firm when no one else would stand with them. As they read about these men, boys will learn about some familiar figures as well as those they may never have heard of before. They’ll read harrowing stories of danger and risk and miraculous tales of courage and sacrifice.
By reading about the humility of Alvin York, the courageous conviction of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the strong faith of Jackie Robinson, and the missionary heart of George Liele, boys will come away with an inspiring vision of manhood. But even more, they’ll encounter a personal God who strengthens His children “with all power, according to his glorious might” (Colossians 1:11). Rather than feeling the need to live up to impossible standards, they’ll see that true power comes from God, and the same God who strengthened the men in this book will empower readers to walk in His strength right where they are. 

Empowered: How God shaped 11 women’s lives (and can shape yours too)

Through the inspiring stories of eleven faithful women, Empowered will show girls that God is the true source of their power, strength, and purpose in life. In the pages of this book, girls will encounter women they may never have heard of and will learn some of the character traits that go along with the Christian walk. But they will also encounter a God who is faithful to complete the work He has begun in them.

The stories in Empowered are about faithful women, but even more about a steadfast God. Girls don't have to do the things these women have done to live a life of purpose; by making a direct connection to their daily lives, readers will have a bigger and a more personal view of their Father and His love for them. The same God who was faithful to give Corrie ten Boom the love she needed to forgive her prison guard can help girls love the unlovable bullies at school. The love for Jesus that compelled Sophie Scholl to sacrifice her life for a higher cause can empower a young girl who sees injustice in the world around her. In a culture where the youth see value in terms of Instagram likes and viral videos, the life of Pandita Ramabai will show the value of humble worship. 

Empowered flips the popular idea of what it means to be a strong girl on its head, showing that real power comes from our loving Father through His Son and removing the pressure girls may feel to conquer the world on their own.

Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships

All of us long for authentic friendships. But many of us struggle to find them. In a world of carefully curated social media and picture-perfect self-projection, might it be that we're distancing ourselves from the very closeness we crave? 

The surprising secret to deeper relationships isn't really about relationships at all--it's about repentance. And that's not as weird as it might sound. Discover how getting real with God will free you to get real with others, and empower you to create genuine community in an "I'm fine" culture. 

A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day

by Catherine Strode Parks and Linda Strode

Wedding planning has spawned a major industry. The average cost of the occasion now exceeds $25,000, and societal pressure to create the “perfect day” is so strong that even Christian couples forget what God originally intended for the sacred marriage ceremony.

While paying attention to the good fun that follows that special proposal (the dress, the flowers, the cake, the gatherings, etc.), A Christ-Centered Wedding first serves as a guide to believers who want their wedding to portray the relationship of Christ with the church and to reflect the gospel to all in attendance.