Veteran Christian author Cecil (Cec) Murphey has been recognized by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) with its 2009 Award for Extraordinary Service.

The author and co-author of 112 books, Murphey co-wrote the New York Times' best-seller 90 Minutes in Heaven (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) with Don Piper as well as Gifted Hands with Dr. Ben Carson (Zondervan) and wrote Devotions for Warriors (Spire Books), The God Who Pursues: Encountering a Relentless God (Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group) and Committed But Flawed (AMG Publishers).

Murphey's most recent book is When Someone You Love Has Cancer (Harvest House Publishers). His 113th book, When God Turned Off the Lights, will be released by Regal Books this fall.

Murphey has donated $50,000 to ASJA's Writers Emergency Assistance Fund--the largest gift the fund has received. "However, Cec's service to fellow freelancers goes far beyond writing checks," ASJA officials said. "A few years ago, he launched a nonprofit foundation that gives needy writers scholarships to attend professional conferences, so they can network, sharpen their skills and gain inspiration. His charity also provides grants to aid writers in marketing their published work, mainly by paying for exhibition materials to use at book conferences."

Murphey was recognized with the award during ASJA's annual writers' conference in New York City, April 24-26.

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