Grace Transforms Ex-Con, Former Prostitute into Mission Service Corps Volunteer

Iris Urrey was raised in a middle-class Christian home, but she was rebellious almost from the start. Running away at the age of thirteen, she became involved with drugs and prostitution, and at seventeen was arrested for armed robbery. Once released from prison, she continued down a path of self-destruction. From numerous abortions to using heroin, to managing a topless bar, Iris turned from God's calling again and again.

But God, who in eternity past had devised a plan for this "incorrigible" rebel, didn't give up on Iris. He had work for her to do, and would one day turn this "incorrigible" rebel into one of His beautiful trophies of grace.

This is more than a tale of grace and redemption, however. God has used Iris's experiences to reach countless people, from top military personnel at NATO to German prostitutes. Along the way, well-meaning fellow believers have had trouble accepting some of the unconventional approaches of this Southern Baptist North American Mission Board's longest-serving Mission Service Corps volunteer.

"Don't you get angry with me and try to prove you're a tough guy," she tells the ex-prisoner on the other end of the phone line--who later received Jesus as his Savior and becomes her husband. "If you can tell me that you're retarded, you can memorize a scripture verse," she says on another occasion to the escaped sanatorium inmate who insists she is too mentally disabled to learn, but finds new confidence when she is saved. Learn about Iris's remarkable walk with God as she continues to minister to people all over the world. But be ready: This book may compel you to take action yourself.

Ron Owens--born in Canada, son of missionary parents to Europe--has multifaceted ministries. These include teaching, preaching, and music ministry in North America and beyond. He has authored other books and articles and has composed, recorded, and had published many songs in collaboration with his wife, Patricia. The Owens have one son, Jeff, a daughter-in-law, Jessica, and two grandson, Ethan and Evan.

Oh, how I love this woman--her story, her faith, are such a testimony of God's thorough work of redemption. You'll want to read and pass on Iris: Trophy of Grace, then have her come and personally share her story. --Kay Arthur, Precept Ministries International

Iris Blue's life is the most inspiring story that could be told. Ron Owens has captured the drama of this miracle in compelling style.--Jimmy Draper, President Emeritus, LifeWay Christian Resources

Prayer is Essential for Godly Parenting

The most important parenting skill to hone is prayer. Prayer has no boundaries. It is bound neither by time nor geography. The power of prayer can reach across the miles and can extend into the future.

In Legacy of Prayer, Author Jennifer Kennedy Dean offers principles for praying for our children, our grandchildren, and our descendants. In candid descriptions of her own life as the beneficiary of generations of prayer, she acknowledges that prayer for our children will not insure a smooth road but instead will insure that " . . . nothing will happen to our children that God cannot use as the raw material from which to create a vessel for His mercy." With characteristically clear and precise writing, she leads us into the Scripture to discover the power of prayer that reaches into the lives of generations not yet born.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean is executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and is a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazines articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book, Heart's Cry, has been named National Day of Prayer's recommended resource. Her bestselling book, Living a Praying Life, has been called a flagship work on prayer. In 2005, Jennifer was widowed after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner in both life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.

What If Your Professor Says the Bible Isn't True?

The facts your college professor doesn't want you to know . . .

Record numbers of high school and college students are giving up on God and the Christian faith, unable to defend their faith against the onslaught of academic 'facts' from their instructors that 'prove' there is no evidence to support the historical accuracy of the Bible.

This explosive book--My Professor Says the Bible is a Myth--exposes the claims against the Bible as a gross distortion of the evidence. Dr. Tom Tribelhorn brings a lifetime of experience and intensive study in Israel to bring students and their parents face-to-face with the real facts. You'll be surprised to learn that some of the strongest advocates of the Bible's historical accuracy are not Christians -- but agnostic scholars who allow the archaeological evidence to speak for itself.

Tribelhorn contends that God never intended for faith to be 'blind' ... but to include logical reasoning and historical evidence as part of the equation. The compelling defense he presents here has the power to change your life -- and, if you already have doubts, to salvage your faith.

Tom Tribelhorn is academic dean and chairs the doctoral studies program at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. (cum laude) in Judaic Studies from the Netzer David International Yeshiva, which included extensive primary research in Israel; a Doctor of Ministry in Judaeo-Christian studies from Jerusalem University College (Israel); an M.Ed. from William Patterson University; and a B.A. in Bible from Northeastern Bible College. He has led and co-led numerous tours to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.

93-Year-Old Releases Poetry About Life, Love, & Faith

Even at 93 years of age Martha Bible Smith is not afraid to delve into "the life of the mind". She ponders life's mysteries, pours her heart out through verse, and with grace and depth faces the aging process. In this volume, So,--her second book of poetry to be published--Smith poignantly and profoundly explores themes of family, friends, memories, aging, and even current events. Divided into four sections (So, Sew, Sow, and Soak), each grouping reflects Smith's fervor for life, her love of family and friends, and her deep faith in God.

Pride in being a Southerner is readily apparent in this lady born in Tennessee and reared in Mississippi. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Southern Methodist University, for 31 years Martha was a teacher and counselor. For 11 years she was an entrepreneur of antique jewelry on the square in Historic Downtown Garland, TX. She is a mother of two sons, a grandmother of four, and a great-grandmother of two. Her hobbies are reading, writing, and researching. The fourth "r" is reminiscing. Her late husband was Jasper C. Smith, jewelry in Dallas and Washington, D.C. Martha is 93 years young.

Achieving Life to the Fullest

God created us to live life to the fullest--to experience fulfillment, satisfaction, happiness, and meaningful relationships. Unfortunately doing this is not a reality for many people. Our past (sin, wounds, abuse, rejection, etc.) and our present (depression, addictions, codependent relationships, shame, guilt, etc.) hinder our ability to really live!

In John 10:10 Jesus says that He came to give us life--life to the fullest! He makes life a possibility for everyone, because He paid for all of our past and present problems. We have been given the power to choose life and to experience it every day . . . the life we were created to live! Ten Life Choices by Bob Perdue (CrossHouse Publishing) highlights 10 specific and practical choices that lead us to the life we were always meant to live.

Pastor Bob Perdue currently serves as senior pastor of Grace Life Community Church in Bristow, VA. Bob is chairman for the board of Regeneration Ministries in Baltimore/Northern Virginia, a member of the board of Grace Ministries, a member of the Association of Exchanged Life Ministries and is also the president of Life Now Ministries. Bob and his wife, Terri, have been married for more than 30 years and have five children.