Gospel Light has entered into a Letter of Intent to sell the publishing assets of Regal Books to Baker Publishing Group. Stan Jantz, interim CEO of Gospel Light, and Dwight Baker, president of Baker Publishing Group, say the goal is to have the final purchase agreement signed in May and the transaction closed by June 30.

“Over the last several months, the board and leadership of Gospel Light made a strategic decision to concentrate on Gospel Light’s core mission,” Jantz said. “From the time Henrietta Mears founded Gospel Light in 1933, resourcing churches with curriculum and Vacation Bible School materials so they can reach children and families with the gospel has been at the core. In order to concentrate on that mission, the board decided to find a compatible new home for Regal’s authors.”

Nick Vujicic will be launching Stand Strong (WaterBrook Press) with a unique event April 16 in New York City’s Times Square. The New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker will be giving out hugs in support of his anti-bullying campaign to promote Stand Strong, which released April 15.

Vujicic’s Times Square appearance is part of his 10,000 Hugs Stand Strong Tour. Until recently, he held the Guinness World Record for Most Hugs in One Hour at 1,749. The event starts at 12:15 p.m.

Bethany Press—best known in the Christian publishing industry as a provider of paperback books—has announced the launch of ChristianPrint.com, an online portal for a wide variety of commercial printing needs.

“Creating ChristianPrint.com has been on the drawing board for many years,” Bethany Press International President Pete Larson said. “Only recently have the resources and technology become available for us to launch this to the Christian community.”

New Day Christian Distributors has added Reach Records to its lineup of music partners. Under the new distribution agreement, the Atlanta-based hip-hop label plans to release albums from both GRAMMY-winning artist Lecrae and rapper Tedashii.

“I love hip-hop, and my sons are Reach fans,” New Day’s Michael Turner said. “I have been inspired by what Reach has accomplished as a label over the last decade and have always felt they would be a natural fit for New Day. We are so excited to welcome them to the New Day family!”

Needtobreathe is gearing up for some high-profile performances to support the April 15 release of Rivers in the Wasteland (Word Records/Word Distribution). The Dove Award-winning band will bring its live show to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 18 and will return to the Late Show with David Letterman on April 23 to perform new single “The Heart.”

Lead single “Difference Maker” continues to climb the charts, reaching No. 11 on the Hot AC/CHR chart this week. The album’s next single, “Multiplied,” will go for adds at Christian radio starting April 18. Later this month, CCM Magazine will feature the band as its cover story.

The Perrys launched their debut StowTown Records project, Into His Presence (Provident Distribution), with an April 8 CD release party at a LifeWay Christian store in Hendersonville, Tenn.

The hometown crowd was treated to a live performance of new songs by the Southern gospel family group, including the album's first single, “I Can Trust Him.” Libbi Perry Stuffle updated the audience on husband Tracy Stuffle’s recovery from a stroke, and then invited him to sing his new duet, “Three Men on a Mountain,” with their son, Jared.

CBA has announced two management changes with Charles “Chuck” Steinert Jr. taking the newly created position of operations director, and Patrice Ravenscroft being promoted to events manager. Effective April 24, Steinert will assume oversight of duties long held by Events Manager Scott Graham, who is leaving to take a position with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association as national trade show director.

“In our efforts to further the work of Christian-product providers, Scott Graham has set strong standards,” CBA President Curtis Riskey said. “Just as we’re grateful for the foundation and friendship with Scott, we’re excited for the new vision coming in with Chuck Steinert.”