Inspired By Media Group and Danteck Group Inc., have collaborated to create “The Bible Experience – NowBible Color (Audio/Visual Bible Reader – 4GB).” Released in November 2006, Inspired By…The Bible Experience is a series of dramatized audio Bible featuring character portrayals accentuated by a theatrical underscore and musical soundtrack. Additionally, the landmark recording
is marked by its all-star, ensemble cast of more than 400+ African American celebrities, renowned clergy and notable personalities. This joint venture delivers the fastest selling Audio Bible of all time, Inspired by…The Bible Experience, pre-loaded onto the world’s most innovative Electronic/Audio Bible Reader, The NowBible™.

Directed by veteran actor-director, Chip Hurd, Inspired by …The Bible Experience is a dramatic audio production which features the performances by a wide variety of industry notables in the areas of stage, screen, film, TV, clergy and music such as Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Blair Underwood, Angela Bassett, Kirk Franklin, Common, Mary Mary, James Avery, Wren T. Brown, Idris Elba, Malinda Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Niecy Nash, LL Cool J, Matt Gibson, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Bishop TD Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor Floyd Flake and more. Additionally, the project combines first class production quality, a musical score composed by Grammy-winning producers, dramatic performances set to an original musical underscore by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Hollywood-style sound design created at Technicolor Studios.

For the first time ever, the World’s most celebrated audio bible can be experienced through the convenience of the NowBible™ Color. Featuring a 3.2” color touch screen, the NowBible™ allows you to read and listen to Inspired by …The Bible Experience from the palm of your hand. This innovative media player displays Zondervan’s TNIV text on screen synchronized to Inspired by …The Bible Experience audio. The complete text of the bible is broken down to the verse level and audio playback can be heard through earphones or the built-in speaker. The NowBible™ Color also features “Quick Jump” navigation, the Words of Christ in red, Bookmark/Highlighting of verses, two Bible Dictionaries, an Electronic Concordance, a “Bible in a Year” reading plan, and “Bible Promises” section for inspiration and guidance. The NowBible™ Color is also an MP3 Music and MP4 Video player, allowing the user to add their own content for a truly customizable media experience.
iphone 3g, special Christmas gift, iweb template

“IBMG has remained conscious of our consumers’ busy lives. Partnering with this innovative company and using this revolutionary device, allows them to hold the power of the Word in their hands.”

For more information about The Bible Experience, NowBible device and Zondervan, please visit the websites listed above. To speak with the creators of the NowBible or The Bible Experience, contact Rhonda Ridley at Affinity Public Relations at 718-432-6412

There will be a wonderful opportunity for evangelization through music at the upcoming concert by the group “Alfareros” on Sunday, October 11, beginning at 5:00pm, at the Von Braun Civic Center. This concert is supported by the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Birmingham and appropriately takes place during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Alfareros, whose name signifies “Potters”, is a group from the Dominican Republic which has been performing contemporary Catholic music for more than ten years at a professional level. Last year, they received the special distinction of being the band chosen to represent Latin America at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia in 2008. With their musical styles—ranging from tropical rhythms such as merengue and salsa to pop, rock, and quiet compositions, all sung mostly in Spanish—Alfareros inspired more than 100,000 young people in Sydney to dance in joy and praise to the Lord. This year, Alfareros continue their mission having been invited to different countries from South America to North America in a tour called “De Bendición en Bendición” or, in English, “From Blessing to Blessing”.

With just a few lyrics in English, this is a great opportunity to brush up on your Spanish and what a better way of doing it than when united in the same spirit. It is only through your participation that this event becomes a unique occasion of evangelization, cultural enrichment and integration for our community.

So come! Be inspired to dance in joy and praise to the Lord!

Tickets cost $10 each for general admission.

More on Alfareros Concert in Huntsville

Alfareros, whose name signifies “Potters”, is a group from the Dominican Republic which has been performing contemporary Catholic music for more than ten years at a professional level. They received the special distinction of being the band chosen to represent Latin America at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia in 2008.

Their musical styles range from tropical rhythms such as merengue and salsa to pop, rock, and quiet compositions, all sung mostly in Spanish with some selections in English. Advance tickets sales ($10 General Admission) are available by calling (256) 603-1683 or (205) 305-1571. Visit also www.alfareros.com.do for music and video samples and additional group information. For any other details, feel free to send an email to alfareros-alabama@comcast.net

“Taking a Chance on Love,” the top-rated Hallmark Channel original television movie which premiered in January 2009, is now available as a novelization by Angela Hunt, creator of “The Note,” a best-selling Christian romance. “Taking a Chance on Love,” which was the highest rated ad-supported cable movie of the week and the highest rated primetime telecast on its premiere airdate, is the sequel to the TV movie version of “The Note,” which was Hallmark Channels highest rated program in 2007.

Both “The Note” and “Taking a Chance on Love” were produced by Lightworks Pictures, a subsidiary of Odyssey Networks, and Muse Entertainment. Hunt’s novelization of the sequel’s screenplay, is published by Tyndale House Publishers in association with Lightworks Pictures.

Taking a Chance on Love.
It offers fans of ‘The Note’ and ‘Taking a Chance on Love’ a new way to follow and connect with the characters they’ve come to love.
We are delighted that Angela Hunt, who created the wonderful character of Peyton MacGruder, the Heart Healer, could turn the screenplay into a truly special book
Angela knows the inner life of her characters like no other novelist possibly could. We are so pleased that Tyndale could bring Peyton’s next chapter to the growing

The novelization of “Taking a Chance on Love” follows the screenplay closely, telling a story of love, forgiveness and personal growth. The heroine, Peyton MacGruder, is known as The Heart Healer after her advice column of the same name. When a reader turns the tables and offers Peyton some contradictory advice, The Heart Healer finds herself embarking on a search that changes her own life and opens her to love. Like all of Hunt’s work, the novelization delves deep into the human spirit, exploring the dynamics of relationships, family life and parenthood.

“This is the first Hallmark Channel movie to be novelized,” said Maura Dunbar, Executive Vice President of Lightworks Pictures and Executive in Charge of Production of both “The Note” and “Taking a Chance on Love.” “It offers fans of ‘The Note’ and ‘Taking a Chance on Love’ a new way to follow and connect with the characters they’ve come to love.”

“We are delighted that Angela Hunt, who created the wonderful character of Peyton MacGruder, the Heart Healer, could turn the screenplay into a truly special book,” said William Spencer Reilly, President & CEO of Lightworks Pictures, “Angela knows the inner life of her characters like no other novelist possibly could. We are so pleased that Tyndale could bring Peyton’s next chapter to the growing number of ‘Note’ fans.” Reilly was Executive Producer of both films along with Joel Rice.

“Taking a Chance on Love” is now available in bookstores nationwide.

About Odyssey Networks:
Odyssey Networks is the nation’s largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to producing and distributing media that promotes tolerance and addresses issues of social justice. Established in 1987, Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. For more information visit www.odysseynetworks.org

About Lightworks Pictures:
Lightworks Pictures develops and produces projects which affirm the highest values of the human spirit,explore issues of social justice and build bridges of understanding among people of different faiths and cultures. Lightworks Pictures is a division of Lightworks Enterprises,Inc.,the for-profit subsidiary of Odyssey Networks.

About Tyndale:
Tyndale House Publishers was founded in 1962 by Dr. Kenneth N. Taylor as a means of publishing “The Living Bible.” It is now one of the premier publishing houses in the industry. Tyndale has published many New York Times best sellers, including the popular “Left Behind” series, as well as the “New Living Translation of the Bible” and many other resources for church and family.

Christian Books are like extensions of the actual Bible. They’re full of stories with lots of lessons to learn as regards religion. These books may be fun to read but it can be more fun to listen to it online. Thanks to the new technology, more and more websites are now offering lots of Christian Audio Books and some are even free to download.

With voices from NeoSpeech and TextAloud, you may now leave behind the hassles of regular reading such as eye strain and momentary boredom. What’s good with these audio books is that listeners get to enjoy more of it anytime and anywhere they may be. The lessons of morality are made more forceful with its animated voices and sound effects, leaving greater impact on children and adults alike.

Christian Audio Books are very much effective in making Christians more involved with their religion. It is easy to access and you have great variety in choosing titles of your favorite Christian writers, be that Lewis Carol or a local one who happens to be one of your favorites.

Some of these great choices of Christian audio books are Tender Warrior, The Excellent Wife, Spiritual Leadership, Desiring God. These excellent audio books belong to different genres. They are meant for people of different preoccupations and even personalities. Some of these books’ original and well known authors are John Piper, Max Lucado, Dr. Archibald Hart, Elizabeth George, Francine Rivers, John Eldredge, and many others who continuously write stories that have touched and changed Christian lives from all over the world. These Christian Audio Books can be downloaded in mp3, wma, and iPod formats.

For years, Christian and religious teachings have been channeled through various kinds of media, from plain write-ups to movies like The Passion of the Christ. These teachings have consistently played a vital role in shaping the lives of many people. But people continue to create avenues to reach the widest audience as possible, particularly in these times, when the number of Christians is dwindling. Some blame it on capitalism while some others say it is because of the technological advancements.

No matter how people view religion nowadays, there are always those who look for inspiration from a good spiritual guide. After all spirituality is at its peak when everyone seems to be in dire need of it. Who doesn’t want to listen to The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther? It is the will to stop this recession that will eventually end it and what better way is it for us to get inspired? Listen to a great Christian audio book now!
For those who like the real thing, here is the complete list of meaningful Christian audio books: Christian audiobooks

The best sellling Christian audio book is The Bible Experience

Indie songwriter Jeff Caylor wasn’t planning to move around the world when he released his first album two years ago. In fact, he imagined doing what many other singing songwriters do. They tour locally, and then regionally; eventually widening their fan base in enlarging, concentric circles. But Jeff Caylor changed everything when he moved to Hong Kong last July.

“Moving to Hong Kong simply made more sense than staying in Colorado,” says Caylor. “I have always wanted to live abroad and even though my first album sold fairly well and received great reviews, it was a good time for me to shake things up.”

In 2007, Jeff Caylor released Okay. The album was rated the 5th best CD of 2007 by Christianity Today. TheAlbumProject.net named Caylor Best Unsigned Artist of 2007. These are uncommon achievements for an artist with no recording or promotion budget and limited touring experience. In addition to great press, Caylor has managed to sell hundreds of physical CDs and thousands of digital downloads.

Independent musicians are throwing out convention in the increasingly competitive and constantly changing music industry. Radiohead released its most recent album for free, giving fans the ability to name their own price. Nine Inch Nails decided to offer fans the ability to purchase a variety of “editions” of their latest recording effort. To this songwriter from the midwest, moving to Hong Kong was just a chance to try something new.

Caylor admits the move was easier because of the Internet but he didn’t do it for attention. “It’s not a gimmick; I just wanted to move to Hong Kong and I’m releasing a 2nd album,” he explains. “It is a sort of web-centric, lifestyle experiment, but I’m exactly where I want to be,” Caylor says. “I decided that I didn’t want the next phase of my life to be dictated by what some ‘how to’ book or web site says is the best way to sell CD’s. This is my life and I’m showing up for it.”

Jeff Caylor performs frequently in Hong Kong, headlining shows each month around the city and is planning an eight city US tour this Fall that includes his hometown Anderson, Indiana and his former residence Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I’m pretty sure that I’m breaking most of the rules of how to make it in the music business,” Caylor suggests. “That’s okay with me. I might be a little bit of an idealist but I don’t think success and following your dreams have to be mutually exclusive concepts. The Internet helps me stay connected to friends and fans, which is really important. At the end of the day, though, I’m having an adventure and enjoying myself.”

Jeff Caylor is currently located in Hong Kong releasing his 2nd album in 2 years titled What Birds Dream–an eclectic group of songs ranging from acoustic soul to alternative rock, peppered with Caylor’s signature singer-songwriter honesty. The 12-song project will be available internationally June 2, 2009.

Thanks to a $2.5 million gift and one acre of land, all from the Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, Mercy Ministries of America–in recognition of May 7, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness–today announced the completion of its first West Coast home, an approximately $6 million, 40-resident facility in Lincoln, Calif., just north of Sacramento. Additional funds for the home were obtained through private donations and in-kind gifts acquired by Mercy Ministries and the Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation. Mercy Ministries has not yet announced an opening date for the home, but plans to open the facility in late summer or early fall of 2009.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Mercy Ministries of America is a Christian residential counseling program that serves girls and young women, ages 13-28, who face a combination of life-controlling issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, addictions, depression, eating disorders and unplanned pregnancies. Since 1983, Mercy Ministries’ free-of-charge program has served more than 2,000 girls and young women with its combination of best-practice clinical interventions and faith-based counseling.

So many girls from California have sought our help over the years, but they have always had to travel across the country to find a Mercy Ministries facility. Before the construction of the California home, Mercy Ministries in St. Louis was our closest home to California. Now we will truly be able to serve girls from the West Coast in their own backyard
I am so grateful to Buzz Oates, a generous man with a huge heart, and his foundation, The Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, for giving such a large gift to make this home for hurting young women possible.
It made sense for us to partner with an organization that had the specific passion and expertise of Mercy Ministries. After spending time getting to know Nancy Alcorn and touring the ministry’s Nashville operations, it became clear we were on the right track with an organization that would connect with my father’s goals and honor his vision through its operations.
This project’s completion has been a dream of mine. I’m excited to be part of the Mercy Ministries organization and grateful for Kathy’s careful oversight. This home for troubled girls and young women also wouldn’t have been possible without the support and contributions of numerous friends and business partners.
The Sacramento-area home will be Mercy Ministries’ fourth American home, but first on the West Coast — a fact that Mercy Ministries’ founder and president Nancy Alcorn says is important. “So many girls from California have sought our help over the years, but they have always had to travel across the country to find a Mercy Ministries facility. Before the construction of the California home, Mercy Ministries in St. Louis was our closest home to California. Now we will truly be able to serve girls from the West Coast in their own backyard,” Alcorn said. “I am so grateful to Buzz Oates, a generous man with a huge heart, and his foundation, The Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, for giving such a large gift to make this home for hurting young women possible.”

The Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation — a Sacramento-area non-profit focused on faith-based initiatives — became acquainted with Mercy Ministries after its namesake, entrepreneur and businessman Buzz Oates, expressed a desire to fund a home for women with unplanned pregnancies.

Kathy Fairrington, Oates’ daughter and a Foundation board member, eventually spearheaded the project. Fairrington said: “It made sense for us to partner with an organization that had the specific passion and expertise of Mercy Ministries. After spending time getting to know Nancy Alcorn and touring the ministry’s Nashville operations, it became clear we were on the right track with an organization that would connect with my father’s goals and honor his vision through its operations.”

Oates added, “This project’s completion has been a dream of mine. I’m excited to be part of the Mercy Ministries organization and grateful for Kathy’s careful oversight. This home for troubled girls and young women also wouldn’t have been possible without the support and contributions of numerous friends and business partners.”

Mercy Ministries’ six-month residential counseling program has always been free-of-charge and incorporates Christian principles with best-practice clinical interventions like individual and group counseling and on-site nutritionists. In a recent independent survey of former residents, over 93 percent of respondents said Mercy Ministries transformed their life and restored their hope, which is Mercy Ministries’ key objective.

Mercy Ministries of America currently has homes in Monroe, La.; Nashville, Tenn.; and St. Louis, Mo. Mercy Ministries has global affiliates in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information, visit www.mercyministries.org. To schedule an interview with a Mercy Ministries’ representative, contact Jonathan Burns at (615) 522-7016, or via email at jaaronburns@gmail.com.

The Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting community faith-based organizations like Mercy Ministries. Its founder, Marvin “Buzz” Oates, is Chairman Emeritus of The Buzz Oates Group of Companies, a fully integrated commercial real estate development company located in Sacramento, Calif., which offers a single point of contact for a full range of construction, real estate and property management services. For more information, visit www.buzzoates.com. For media interviews, contact Shelley Christopher at (916) 379-3817, or via email at shelleychristopher @ buzzoates.com