American Bible Society is the Official Charity of the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards Airing April 23
Contact: Autumn Black, American Bible Society, 917-539-4952, ablack@americanbible.org; Jocelyn Broder, 770-813-0000, jbroder@demossgroup.com
NEW YORK, April 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The world's top Christian and gospel music artists are heading to the Grand Ole Opry for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 23. Desiring to engage fans and artists with the message behind the music, the American Bible Society has teamed up with the Gospel Music Association (GMA) as the official charity of the Awards.
"GMA is excited to partner with the American Bible Society again this year to connect fans and artists with the true meaning behind the music," said John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA. "While music has the ability to inspire generations, we know ultimate success comes from God's Word transforming lives."
Hundreds of video stories from GMA artists can be found at ShareYourStoryNow.org -- a site where people can post personal stories and see how others are exploring, engaging and experiencing the Bible. The site contains numerous videos of musical artists who have shared their favorite verse or what the Bible means to them. From Feb. 18 - March 23, 2009, fans who posted a story of how the Bible has impacted their life were automatically entered to win tickets to attend the GMA Dove Awards. This year's winner, Angel Higgs, will get the opportunity to interview several gospel artists at the Awards for the ShareYourStoryNow.org Web site.
The American Bible Society's book Scriptures from the Heart (2008) gives another inside look at how the Bible has impacted the music of popular GMA artists. The book's second edition, Scriptures from the Heart: Refuge (available April 18), connects artists' songs to their inspiration: God's Word. The 28-day devotional guides readers through stories by their favorite Christian recording artists including MercyMe, Sara Groves, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Mandisa and Salvador. Complimentary copies of Scriptures from the Heart: Refuge will be available during GMA Week and at ScripturesFromTheHeart.com while supplies last.
"We are always looking for new ways to engage younger generations with God's Word," said Dr. Joseph Crockett, special assistant to president, American Bible Society. "As the official charity of the GMA Dove Awards we have the opportunity to engage fans in the message of the Bible found in the music they already love."
To further engage a younger generation, the American Bible Society provides Bible verses via email, voicemail, text message, podcast and RSS feed free of charge to anyone who subscribes at Engage.AmericanBible.org.
About The American Bible Society:
Headquartered in New York City, the mission of the 193-year-old American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life changing message.
