Posted: 03/14/2013 at 4:46pm | IP Logged

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ANS) -- This fall, two of the nation's largest Christian media companies will join together to support the My Hope America with Billy Graham evangelistic campaign.

Billy Graham

According to a news release from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), the effort is networking thousands of churches and individuals across the United States, equipping them to share the Gospel in their communities this fall.

Thomas Nelson Publishers will release "The Reason for My Hope: Salvation", the latest book by Billy Graham, this October. At the same time, Capitol Christian Music Group will release a companion album, executive produced by Michael W. Smith and featuring some of the most popular artists in Christian music.

The new project will include new songs written from the themes of the book and performed by artists such as Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zschech, Lacey Sturm and many others.

"Music has been a great part of my father's ministry from the very beginning. Here at almost 95 years of age, my father is trying to reach this nation one last time with the Gospel of Jesus Christ," said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, speaking in the news release.

He added, "This project can help build this program and get the word out. This is a tremendous effort, and I'm so grateful."

"The entire Capitol Christian Music family is thrilled to be working closely with Thomas Nelson to create new songs and timeless recordings that reinforce the important themes in the forthcoming book and honor the legacy of Reverend Graham and the message he has preached for more than 70 years," commented Bill Hearn, president and CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group, speaking in the news release.

"My life is richer because of Billy Graham," said Michael W. Smith in the news release.

He added, "I've had the honor of singing at a number of his Crusades and Franklin Graham Festivals, and I've witnessed the power of the Gospel as countless lives have been changed through BGEA's ministry. I'm thrilled to be a part of this collaboration as it prepares the way for this nationwide evangelistic outreach in the U.S."

Billy Graham's forthcoming book comes on the heels of his best-selling "Nearing Home," which was named 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

The release of "The Reason for My Hope: Salvation" will cap a year that has seen Billy Graham's vision of the evangelistic campaign My Hope America with Billy Graham take shape. The book will be one of his most definitive works focusing entirely on the transforming power of salvation through Jesus Christ.

"For over 70 years, Billy Graham has encouraged the world like no other," says Matt Baugher, senior vice President and publisher at Thomas Nelson Publishers, speaking in the news release.

He added that in the new book, "Billy Graham once again brings an important message of salvation to the world, with his accessible writing style and words of truth. As his publisher, it is our deep honor to once again partner with this man who continues to be incredibly strong in mind and spirit."

The music and literary projects will have a massive presence in the market through joint retail, radio, TV, Internet, direct to church and social media campaigns.

For more information on My Hope America with Billy Graham visit www.myhopewithbillygraham.org.

Source: Assist News Service