Christian Focus

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Staff Profile – Catherine

21 December 2018

Margaret Roberts

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I am Catherine Mackenzie and I am the Children’s Editor at Christian Focus Publications. I oversee the editorial and illustrations for the children’s books, while also doing some editorial occasionally for the women’s list and biography.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

I love the freedom this job gives me for creativity. I think one of the best things in life alongside reading a good book is making one.

What is one thing about you that other p

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Very Present Help in Trouble – Ruth Hege, c.1905–?

17 December 2018

Diana Lynn Severance

With the Simba rebellion many foreigners left the country. Ruth and Irene made preparations to evacuate, but before the helicopter came the Jeunesse attacked, on 25 January, 1964. The Jeunesse, armed with clubs, hatchets, arrows, and knives, broke into their house, looting and taking whatever they chose. The drug–crazed youth then dragged the women outside. Irene was shot in the neck with an arrow, which she pulled out, saying ‘I am finished’ as she fell to the ground dead. Ruth also had an arrow w

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Tentmaker Training Tentmakers – Ruth Siemens, 1925–2005

10 December 2018

Diana Lynn Severance

Lying on the hospital bed after three surgeries and with only one functioning lung, Ruth knew no missionary agency would accept her. It seemed the end of what she thought God had planned for her. Ruth came to a personal faith in Christ and was baptized when she was thirteen. She early became strongly interested in missions by listening to the many missionary speakers at the Mennonite Brethren Church where she grew up as well as reading numerous missionary biographies.

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Staff Profile – Peter

07 December 2018

Margaret Roberts

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Peter and I coordinate book cover design and assist marketing through media production.



What is your favourite thing about what you do?

Drinking tea… Oh, and seeing a book go from a digital to physical form!



What is one thing about you that other people think is unusual?

I think most Scottish people up here think I am very strange, but its just because I have adopted various things from three different cultures into one person and somehow that’s normal t

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42 Ways to Give a Christian Book

03 December 2018

Margaret Roberts

In the busy run–up to Christmas, have you considered giving the gift of a good Christian book? Here are a few ways you can do it.

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Never Forsaken – Darlene Deibler Rose, 1917–2004

26 November 2018

Diana Lynn Severance

At the beginning of World War II, the Christian and Missionary Alliance had 476 missionaries in the field; 252 of those remained overseas during the war. When China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam became closed to missions, 121 Christian and Missionary Alliance men, women, and children were placed in internment camps. Among those was Darlene Deibler, a missionary in the Netherland East Indies.

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Staff Profile – Jonathan

22 November 2018

Margaret Roberts

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jonathan Dunbar and I am responsible for Production and Logistics and I try to help a bit with some sales and marketing projects.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

Seeing a book project develop and the finished book arrive in the office, and then seeing people buy and appreciate the book.

What is one thing about you that other people think is unusual?

I’ve learned not to ask, but if someone else wants to answer for me I don’t mind.

What are yo

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World Day of Prayer – 1920

19 November 2018

Diana Lynn Severance

The nineteenth century saw, not only a growth in foreign missions, but also a growth in women’s organizations supporting missions. From cent societies to denominational auxiliaries, women collected funds and supported missions both at home and in foreign lands. The women’s boards were especially concerned with evangelization and Christian nurture of women and children. The women encouraged one another in prayer for the various areas of missions. Individual boards often held special days and weeks o

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His Eye is on the Sparrow – Ethel Waters, 1896–1977

12 November 2018

Diana Lynn Severance

Ethel Waters, born in Pennsylvania in 1896 had a turbulent childhood. She grew up and became an actress, performer and singer. In the late 50’s Ethel accepted Jesus as her savior after coming under the teaching of Billy Graham.

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Staff Profile – Rosanna

09 November 2018

Margaret Roberts

Hello I’m Rosanna. Who are you? I work in the editorial department. My job is to coordinate the publishing of our adult books, from the moment we sign a contract to the day that we send the manuscript off to the printers. I make sure the books are edited, typeset, proofread and ready on time (hopefully). I also play a role in reviewing some of the submissions, and finding people who would be suitable to endorse our books.

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