Contact: Janis Backing, Publicity Manager, Moody Publishers, 312-329-2108, janis.backing@moody.edu; www.mpnewsroom.com

CHICAGO, March 29, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ --  A wildly popular book that explains the Gospel in "Wal-Mart English" has been re-released with new tools designed to help people who want to explore the basics of Christianity but don't know much about the Bible.

More than 500,000 copies of An Anchor for the Soul: Help for the Present, Hope for the Future have been distributed worldwide in several languages. Written back in 2000 by Dr. Ray Pritchard, president of Keep Believing Ministries and author of 27 books, An Anchor for the Soul is now widely used around the globe by churches, prison ministries, crisis pregnancy centers, rescue missions ... and by ordinary believers looking for a pressure-free way to introduce their friends and family to Christ.

"People have honest doubts and questions about God that deserve solid answers," Dr. Pritchard explains. "I wanted to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way the man on the street would understand. I'm amazed and grateful to the Lord for how the book has been used."

For the newcomer, the curious soul wondering what it's all about, An Anchor For The Soul serves as a wonderful introduction to the world of Christianity. For the old hand, it serves as a vital witnessing tool and a clear reminder of what it's all about.

Bill Bright, the celebrated founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ International, called An Anchor for The Soul, "absolutely compelling, and life-changing." Popular artist and bestselling author Joni Eareckson Tada says the book "reads easy, but runs deep!"

Written with doubters, seekers and skeptics in mind, the book tackles key spiritual questions without getting stiff or preachy: What is God like? How can I know Him? Who is Jesus and what did He do? What does it mean to be a Christian? Using engaging stories and illustrations, Dr. Pritchard addresses these questions and gently leads readers toward a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The new edition contains a built-in study guide and Scripture references designed to lead readers back to the Bible to explore for themselves what God says on topics including how to go to heaven.

"The first edition intentionally contained almost no Scripture references because we were aiming at an 'unchurched' audience," Dr. Pritchard explains. "Little did we know that God intended us to partner with Prison Fellowship and Good News Jail and Prison Ministries to distribute hundreds of thousands of copies to inmates in virtually every prison in America.

"God also opened the door to distribute thousands of copies to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, especially those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We realized that readers need Scripture references because for many, it will be the first Christian book they've ever read."

For review copies or interviews with Dr. Ray Pritchard, contact Janis Backing, publicity manager for Moody Publishers, at 312-329-2108 or janis.backing@moody.edu.