Bob Siemon Designs (BSD) is launching an effort to give people facing hard times a message and tokens of hope--and help Christian retailers offer practical assistance to people in need.

The veteran Christian jewelry company's Community of Hope initiative centers on the third book it has published in its near-40-year history, out next month. Written by best-selling authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, the 128-page Hope: Comfort and Encouragement From the Bible, offers scriptural encouragement for dealing with difficult situations.

The pocket-sized book is being offered with six companion Medals of Hope, coins inscribed with a Bible verse and referencing one of the book's six character themes: change, strength, courage, integrity, perseverance and hope. The book retails for $7.99, and the lead-free pewter coins for $4.99 each.

The "hope" products begin shipping to stores April 7, with BSD offering the book for 50% discount, with an additional 10% discount offered to stores that use those extra savings to support charitable efforts in their community.

The Community of Hope initiative was developed by BSD founder and President Bob Siemon following the inauguration of President Obama. Aware of many people facing serious financial and other situations, Siemon said, he thought that "the hope that people are going to need ultimately is the hope that only God can give through His Word."

Siemon said there had been a positive early response to the Community of Hope idea from accounts, who would be offered a countertop display that carries 12 copies of the book, and the accompanying coins.

Bickle and Jantz wrote BSD's WWJD? The Question Everyone Is Asking, published in 1997. It sold around 500,000 copies. The company brought out the WWJD?: New Testament, New Living Translation, under license from Tyndale House Publishers the following year.

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