Contact: Patrick Dillon, Steadfast Christian, 970-247-4442, nebula6@msn.com

LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mainstream & independent titles from 11 countries score top honors in the 2nd Annual 2011 International Book Awards (IBA). JPX Media Group announced the winners and finalists on May 11, 2011. Over 300 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories.

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of JPX Media Group, said this year's contest yielded a large number of entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results.

The award winning book, "Steadfast Christian" -- A higher call to faith, family, and hope by Patrick Dillon was honored by finishing as a finalist in the category, Religion: Christian Inspirational.

Rick Warren was the winner of this category with his children's book, "The Lord's Prayer".

In 2010, "Steadfast Christian" was the winner of the National "Best Books 2010" Awards for the Religion -- Christian Inspirational category.

The 2011 IBA was a highly competitive event that featured mainstream publishers such as Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Crown Books/Random House, Zondervan, and independent publishers. Patrick Dillon, author of "Steadfast Christian" feels honored to have placed as a finalist in such an elite group of authors and publishers.

To purchase and/or receive more information about this award winning book and to view accompanying videos via You Tube, go to www.steadfastchristian.com.

You can also purchase this book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other fine retailers.

"Steadfast Christian" Synopsis --

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

These beautifully simplistic, yet profound words of repentance from King David are the inspiration from which this book was written. The author, Patrick Dillon, feels this heartfelt cry is urgently needed in today's society,

"Serious events are taking place in the world and in our own personal lives --  it's time to renew our faith and become steadfast in our convictions."

The author's friendly candid style evokes an array of emotions. He challenges himself and his readers to truly commit to God, a God who deeply loves us and desires our very best. It is Patrick's sincere aspiration that those who read this will have a renewed sense of true hope that only God can give.

A complete list of the winners and finalists of The 2011 International Book Awards are available online at: www.internationalbookawards.com/2011awardannouncement.html.