The Second Annual Champions of the Faith Awards and Benefit Concert was presented by the Premier Foundation in partnership with CBA on Saturday—prior to the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center.

Held in the Chapin Theater, the awards in seven categories honored businesses, organizations, entertainers and other individuals who are champions of the Christian faith by living their lives dedicated to the principles Jesus taught.

Those recognized included Pat Williams, author and founder of the Orlando Magic (Sports); EMI Christian Music Group (Music); Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ (Charity); Lysa TerKeurst, founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries (Author); Ed Kobel, president of the DeBartolo Group (Business); Thomas Nelson (Christian Product Supplier); and For All Bible Center in Joplin, Mo. (Christian Store Retailer).

Chris Leiter, store manager who accepted the award with his wife and For All’s owner, Carla, shared that they “did nothing more than what we felt God wanted us to do” in the aftermath of a deadly tornado in Joplin, Mo., in May 2011, which killed more than 120 people and injured more than 750.

With assistance from Thomas Nelson, For All gave away 1,000 Bibles to survivors. “We just responded to what we thought people would be asking for, and what they would need spiritually,” Leiter said. “We gave away as much as we possibly could.”

He credited the untold numbers of emergency personnel and volunteers from across the country who responded to help people dig out of the rubble and helped rebuild Joplin.

“Today, 75% of those who lost their homes have rebuilt or are rebuilding now or have acquired building permits to rebuild,” Leiter said. “To this very day, the volunteers still come and work, and help for no pay. Most of this is what we call faith in action, and it is amazing to witness.”

The event also featured speaker, author and Back2Back ministry founder Beth Guckenberger, music from by Karyn Williams of Inpop Records and artist Jared Emerson, who created an original painting of Jesus on stage that was sold during the benefit's live auction fundraiser.

Each Champions of the Faith winner was presented with a unique piece of artwork created by Emerson. The live and silent auction during the event—a fundraiser for Premier— raised support for The James Fund, World Vision and other nonprofit ministries and charities.

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