LifeWay Christian Stores is joining forces with Shoes for Orphan Souls, the largest humanitarian-aid project of Buckner International, this month to collect new shoes for the world’s orphans and other vulnerable children.

“We are so excited to partner with LifeWay Christian Stores to bring awareness to the needs of vulnerable children served by Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls,” said Ashley Williamson, Shoes for Orphan Souls manager. “By working together, our hope is that we can broaden our reach to serve more children in the United States and around the world with the tangible gift of new shoes as well as the love of Christ.”

Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House, announced Thursday that it is reassessing and realigning its Christian Living and Abingdon Fiction programs as a result of shifts in the industry. The new strategy results in the departure of Associate Publisher Pamela Clements.

“Pamela Clements’ leadership and passion have been tremendous contributions,” said Neil M. Alexander, president and publisher. “She set the highest standard of excellence, and her efforts drew the admiring attention of religion publishers, agents, packagers and authors across the publishing world.”

Exhibitors for the 2015 International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) are invited for a site visit in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The visit will present an opportunity to preview the site where ICRS will be held at the Orange County Convention Center and will include advance information on new ICRS direction for 2016 and beyond.

A video testimonial made by Brenda Harrison, owner of Lighthouse Christian Store in Bedford, Indiana, has paid off in $500 of free Carpentree product. Carpentree sponsored the drawing at the June International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta.

To qualify, stores needed to place an order at the show and be willing to record a testimonial for the company. The winning store had the option to select from among items in Carpentree’s entire line of framed art décor and gifts.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the corporate home to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, recently developed a new Bible Training Portal for retailers to educate and equip sales associates in three areas—Bible translations, Bible types and Bible selling.

HarperCollins Christian launched a revised and re-written Bible Training Portal at June’s International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, showcasing it for retailers in attendance. 

Alex and Stephen Kendrick—creators of hit faith films Fireproof and Courageous—have just wrapped principal photography on their as-yet-untitled fifth movie, a family drama focused on the power of prayer. 

“We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate families to fight the right kind of battles and to fight them the best way possible,” said director and co-screenwriter Alex Kendrick. “We have plans for everything—careers, finances, health. But what about a strategy for prayer for our lives, our spouses and our children?”

LifeWay’s Conference for Men known as “The Main Event” will be held Aug. 1-2 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. At the gathering, 10,000 men from around the nation are expected attend to hear from top speakers, including the authors of The Race, NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip, Billy Mauldin and Kyle Froman; and the author of The Two Minute Drill to Manhood and Raising a Princess, John Croyle. Former President George W. Bush also will make an appearance at the event, according to the LifeWay website.

Bobby Bowden, who is launching his new book sharing the story of his faith called The Wisdom of Faith, and his son Tommy Bowden, author of Winning Character, are also scheduled to speak. Other speakers include Matt Carter, Derwin Gray and Major Jeff Streucker (best known from the 1993 conflict in Somalia, commonly referred to as Black Hawk Down).