Contact: Sara Van Horn, 513-728-6876
CINCINNATI, Jan. 24, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- What do adopted children from Ethiopia, a child in slavery in Cambodia, a special needs orphan from Mexico, and a foster child in the US have in common? They are all real children whose lives of heartbreak and abandon became stories of hope skillfully and lovingly told in Beth Guckenberger's latest book, "Tales of the Defended Ones."
Available now from Standard Publishing, "Tales of the Defended Ones" is the second release by Beth Guckenberger to highlight the plight of orphans throughout the world in personal, heart-grabbing stories of loss, struggle, and redemption. Its predecessor, "Tales of the Not Forgotten" has helped teachers, mentors, and families have meaningful conversations about clean water, orphan care, education, and hunger.
"Beth's heart for the orphan is passionate and contagious," says Stephanie Woeste, Vice President of Marketing for Standard Publishing. "With her ability to communicate the reality of life as an orphan, God is using her to get people involved in one of the most important tasks He gave the church, to care for widows and orphans."
Written for ages 8 and up, "Tales of the Defended Ones" presents an easy-to-read picture of the way God is intervening on behalf of orphans throughout the world. A corresponding 6-part Leader's Guide helps turn the book content into a simple, yet powerful 6-week curriculum for any church or small group. Speaking about the similar Leader's Guide accompanying Beth's first release of the series, "Tales of the Not Forgotten," Jamie King, a teacher in Stockbridge, GA, says, "It touches the hearts of children and the leaders in a way I have never seen from any other lesson material.'
The book and leader's guide are driven by the personal mission experience of Beth and her husband, Todd Guckenberger, who serve as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries and are raising nine children -- biological, foster, and adopted. Beth was recently honored with the 2013 International Network of Children's Ministry (INCM) Legacy Award at the Children's Pastors' Conference in Orlando, Florida, for her impact on children around the world.
"The book is uniquely written to teach and inspire readers of all ages," explained Matt Lockhart, Vice President, Product Development at Standard Publishing. "Beth is able to shrink an overwhelming global issue to the size of a story, a child, a life, and expose children to the needs of orphans in a way that empowers them to do something about it."
"Tales of the Defended Ones" can be purchased at Christian retailers across the United States and online at www.standardpub.com, www.Amazon.com, or anywhere Christian books are sold.
About the Author: Author Beth Guckenberger is Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, an international ministry to orphans. In addition to bringing more than 12,000 people to her home in Mexico for short-term missions work, she has published 2 adult books and 2 youth books. She is a popular speaker and has partnered with Standard Publishing on the mission content in its 2013 VBS program, God's Backyard Bible Camp. For more information, visit www.back2back.org.
About Standard Publishing: Standard Publishing serves churches worldwide and is recognized as a leader in true-to-the-Bible resources that educate, encourage, and enrich adults, youth, and children. The company is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.standardpub.com or call 1-800-543-1353.
