CBA recognized best-selling author, apologist and evangelist Josh McDowell with the International Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2015 International Christian Retail Show on Sunday morning at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This is the second year that CBA has presented the award for the powerful impact of international ministry. McDowell joins Ravi Zacharias, who received the inaugural honor in 2014.

CBA President Curtis Riskey presented McDowell with the award at the opening of the Global Worship Celebration, which attracted several hundred attendees from all over the world.

“This year’s award recipient is a trailblazer for truth and relationships," Riskey said. "In the forefronts of cultural trends and groundbreaking ministry for five decades, his books are available in 100 languages. His ministry is a division of Cru. The International Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Josh McDowell, who is here with his wife of 43 years, Dottie.”

The award is given for outstanding service and accomplishment, spanning the recipient’s entire career, for creating or distributing or using Christian resources to achieve ministry and further the gospel around the world.

“On behalf of CBA and our board of directors, it is with great respect that I present the CBA International Lifetime Achievement Award to Josh McDowell and the Josh McDowell Ministry,” Riskey said.

McDowell’s family–his children and grandchildren–offered congratulations through a video presentation before he took to the podium to say a few words.

“Was I ever surprised when they called me,” McDowell said as he accepted the award.

“It has been years with CBA, working with booksellers and everyone else," McDowell said. "Usually you mention a lot of names. I wouldn’t dare to because there are so many that should be standing here, but the one who is standing here with me today is my wife, Dottie. I never knew a woman could love a man as much as my wife loves me. I’ve never seen it in a Hollywood movie, I’ve never read about it in a romance novel, not that I read many, but God has used my wife to totally change my life.

"When you think that 63 million books now in 97 countries and 107 languages, and with 146 books, you all know that takes a team," McDowell said. "But what we don’t hear about are the multi-thousands of stories from those that have read copies of the books, such as More Than a Carpenter, so thank you CBA."

This year the international program was expanded. The morning’s keynote address was offered by Islam expert and global church-growth specialist Pastor Riann Heyns from New Life Church and Integrity Music worship leader Paul Baloche. Jack Scott of Scott Marketing & Training served as emcee of the event.

Heyns, who has successfully implemented strategic missions in more than 60 countries, challenged participants as he talked about the power of the gospel and how to get the message into countries where Christ is not yet known.

“If we are going to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth, to 2 billion people that have never heard the name of Jesus Christ in a world where we have access to almost everything ... Coca Cola has figured it out," Heyns said. "They’ve gotten Coke to the ends of the earth. Yet, we still haven’t figured out how to get the gospel to the ends of the earth."

Owner Jack Savage of Jack’s Church Supplies (formerly Jack’s Religious Gift Shop) in Salisbury, Maryland, who attended the service with his wife, Ruth Ann, said he enjoys coming to CBA and worshipping because it is like an “old-fashioned revival.” The Savages have been a part of the industry for more than 55 years.

“This is a wonderful way to start the convention," Savage said. "It’s such an encouraging and uplifting time.”

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