Second Printing Ordered For 'Why A Manger'
(November 20, 2006) – Why a Manger?, with its big message and small size, is taking America by storm.
The publishers, Parable Group and Outreach Inc., originally ordered 50,000 copies. But bookstore owners and ministry leaders are catching the vision of this Gospel message book to such an extent that 100,000 more copies are being printed. Why a Manger? is the first book in the Parable exclusive Little Books of WhyTM non-fiction series by best-selling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene.
"It's not your typical book," says Steve Potratz, CEO of Parable Group. "With your typical book, you buy one or two copies at the most if you really like it. This book is meant to be bought by the case and given away."
The Thoenes are throwing their full support behind the book, personally contacting each Parable store to provide encouragement and sales tips.
Why a Manger?, which has already reportedly led to conversions since its October release, is the perfect complement to the December release of The Nativity Story film.
Tim Van Eijl, owner of Shepherd's Voice Christian Bookstore in Onalaska, Wisconsin, is encouraging major churches in his area to buy cases of Why a Manger? and give them out with New Testaments to congregants at Christmas time.
"With The Nativity Story release, it's the perfect time for churches to do some kind of outreach," says Van Eijl.
Mark Schoepke, owner of Parable Christian Stores in Corvallis, Oregon is taking it upon himself to reach out with Why a Manger?. He plans to give 600 copies to a local jail, 300 with food baskets to the needy, several thousands to a church and 100 to each Young Life club in his area.
"We should be giving it away because of how important the message is," says Schoepke. "By giving it to people who don't have much, they can have an eternal hope."
Ministries are also catching the vision. Shiloh Light Foundation of Incline Village, Nevada, www.shilohlightfoundation.org, is giving 10,000 copies to Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship.
Lynne Marian, vice president of Outreach Inc., says Why a Manger? finishes what The Nativity Story movie starts: a clear presentation of the Gospel.
"This Christmas millions of people will see The Nativity Story in theaters but that doesn't necessarily mean they will make the spiritual connection," she said.
The 96-page Why a Manger? is available for purchase in Parable franchises and member stores and online at Parable.com or Outreach.com.
Parable helps Christian retail ministries succeed by making business better. A hybrid combination of marketing group, franchise and retail services provider, Parable offers Christian retailers a full range of marketing, merchandising and operational services. For more information contact Gary Weyel, Parable communication and public relations specialist, or visit www.parablegroup.com. The Parable Group is based in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
