The acquisition of Thomas Nelson is the main driver of the 15% increase in revenue for HarperCollins in the fiscal year ending June 30. HarperCollins finalized the purchase of Nelson in July 2012.

Revenue and earnings for the publisher were $1.37 billion EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), up from $1.19 billion EBITDA the previous fiscal year. This brings the company’s income nearly to pre-recession levels, as HarperCollins earned $1.39 billion in 2008.

Artist Eric Samuel Timm, author of Static Jedi (Passio/Charisma House Book Group), presented a special art-based message to retailers at CPE Murfreesboro. Timm also said he was praying for the supernatural in retailers’ businesses, and based on Isaiah 43:2, he was asking God for the waters to divide.

At the Monday luncheon sponsored by Charisma Media, Vice President of Sales Marcos Perez interviewed Timm via Skype about his ministry to teens through the public schools and in camp settings. Charisma Media showed several videos featuring Timm in action at his speaking engagements, revealing the impact he is having among teens.

Approximately 300 retailers are taking part in the Sept. 22-24 Christian Product Expo sponsored by the Munce Group. But while the Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Nashville), event ends today, Munce has announced that its CPE model is changing—and two Atlanta shows are being added to its 2014 calendar.

In conjunction with AmericasMart, the country’s largest gift mart located in the heart of Atlanta, Munce will host “CPE at AmericasMart” in January and July—but with a significant change. CPE at AmericasMart will be a one-day event only and will feature an exhibit floor with vendors, training sessions and meals.

Approximately 300 retailers are taking part in the Sept. 22-24 Christian Product Expo sponsored by the Munce Group. But while the Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Nashville), event ends today, Munce has announced that its CPE model is changing—and two Atlanta shows are being added to its 2014 calendar.

In conjunction with AmericasMart, the country’s largest gift mart located in the heart of Atlanta, Munce will host “CPE at AmericasMart” in January and July—but with a significant change. CPE at AmericasMart will be a one-day event only and will feature an exhibit floor with vendors, training sessions and meals.

Christian music legends Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin have been announced as the hosts for the 44^th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  The music award ceremony will be held Oct. 15 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.

“There are not too many names more synonymous with Christian and gospel music than our hosts Amy and Kirk,” said GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. “We are so grateful for their contributions to the Dove Awards throughout the years and we’re excited to have them as the co-pilots of what is turning out to be one of the most compelling nights of music ever on the Dove stage.” 

Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling topped the ECPA General best-seller list for the week ending Sept. 14.

The top 20 ECPA General best-sellers were: 1. Jesus Calling, Young, hardcover (Thomas Nelson); 2. You’ll Get Through This, Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson); 3. The Secret Keeper, “Home to Hickory Hollow” No. 4, Beverly Lewis (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group); 4. The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing); 5. When God’s People Pray, Jim Cymbala (Zondervan); 6. Jesus Calling, Young, large print deluxe (Thomas Nelson); 7. Jesus Calling, Young, women’s edition (Thomas Nelson); 8. KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2013-2014 (Standard Publishing); 9. Open, Craig Gross (Zondervan); 10. Gods at War, Kyle Idleman (Zondervan); 11. Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan); 12. Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman (Zondervan); 13. Jesus Calling, Young, deluxe (Thomas Nelson); 14. KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2013-14, large print softcover (Standard Publishing); 15. Happy, Happy, Happy, Phil Robertson (Howard Books); 16. One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp (Zondervan); 17. Heaven Is for Real, Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson); 18. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, Lysa TerKeurst (Harvest House Publishers); 19. Jesus Today, Young (Thomas Nelson); and 20. The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson, (Zondervan).

Os Guinness, social critic and author of The Global Public Square (InterVarsity Press), was the featured featured speaker at the 28th Annual International Prayer Breakfast, held on Sept. 17 at the U.N. headquarters in New York.  More than 300 attendees, including 90 ambassadors from nations around the world, heard Guinness speak on “making the world safe for diversity.”

The Prayer Breakfast was only the latest high-profile stop for Guinness, who has been sought out for his insights into one of the most pressing issues of our time—religious expression and tolerance. Guinness addresses this topic in The Global Public Square, and he has used key speaking events to further promote his message.