Media Contact: Heidi McDow, 972-267-1111 [email protected] First Fully-Female Voiced NLT Audio Bible Helps Women Connect to the Word of God Courage for Life Free App Fills Void in Women’s Ministry MARIETTA, Ga., June 3, 2019 – Extensive research and clinical experience prove that the best way to help at-risk women and girls heal from substance abuse, trauma and mental health issues is through gender-specific programs. Because females tend to be a more nurturing gender by nature, their voices are often perceived as more compassionate, understanding and non-threatening. Knowing this research and recognizing the unique ministry opportunity presented, Courage for Life has partnered with two-time Grammy-nominated artist Amik Byram to develop the first female-narrated New Living Translation (NLT) audio Bible available now through a free app. “There is comfort in hearing your mother, best friend or grandmother tell you a story,” said Ann White, founder of Courage for Life. “In the same way, the Courage for Life all-female narrated Bible delivers God’s word in a comforting, friendly voice.” Narrated by experienced voice actors, this NLT audio Bible provides a soothing listening experience void of any dramatic sound bites, off-putting background music or overly dramatic deliveries. Through the Courage for Life women’s audio Bible, listeners are immersed into the Scriptures by voices only, which read the Word with the passion and purpose it represents. The Courage for Life women’s audio Bible is a vision of the ministry’s founder, author and speaker Ann White. Courage for Life is dedicated to providing resources that help individuals move from a life that is fear-based to faith-based. In addition to Bible studies, devotions and books, a large portion of Courage for Life’s ministry includes training leaders to minister to women who have been neglected, abused and incarcerated. White’s vision for the all-female audio version of the Bible is to help make Scripture accessible and welcoming to all women, especially those who are at-risk or may have abuse in their history. Courage for Life has already partnered with two state prison systems to make the women’s audio Bible available on all prison-provided tablets. -more- “Women in jail are the fastest growing correctional population in the country,” said White. “Not only that, but domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children. We want to fill a void in the women’s recovery space and reach as many women in Courage for Life Press Kit 1 crisis as possible with the encouragement, inspiration and hope that they can find in God’s Word—without ever turning a page.” The Courage for Life Bible app is available now for download and contains the full New Testament. The ministry is currently fundraising to complete the recording of the Old Testament with a goal to begin making select books available this summer. For more information, visit https://courageforlife.org/app/ About Courage for Life Courage for Life, founded by Ann White, provides Bible studies, devotionals, books and now an audio Bible, all in the name of helping individuals to thrive and experience courage in all aspects of life. For more information, visit courageforlife.org. -30- Media Contact: Heidi McDow heidi@ alarryross.com 972-267-1111 Courage for Life Press Kit 2 Biography - Ann White Ann White is an internationally known author, speaker and passionate Bible teacher born in South Carolina. Having personally experienced God’s grace, salvation and the life- changing power of the Bible, Ann’s desire is to extend this same love, mercy and encouragement to others, so they, too, may be reconciled to God. She founded her global ministry, Courage for Life, out of a calling to share with others how God and His Word brought restoration to her life and marriage. Through Courage for Life, Ann has authored multiple Bible studies and devotionals, one of which takes readers on a seven-day journey through Holy Week by learning about the events as they happened in Israel. Her week-long Courage for Life devotional is available on YouVersion. Her latest venture with Courage for Life is a fully female-narrated, New Living Translation audio Bible app that is professionally produced and voiced, completely free for download. Ann developed this project in response to her passion for prison ministry, after learning that, for at-risk women, gender specific help is of vital importance in their recovery. She launched this project in effort to reach more individuals with the gospel message in a clear, accessible and pleasing way that brings comfort and healing. When not actively pursuing these projects, Ann can be found spending quiet moments with the Lord, hanging out with her husband, boys and grandchildren, as well as writing, reading and calling out the courage in everyone around her. Ann met her husband shortly after moving to Atlanta in 1978 and is now a proud mother and grandmother; today, she and her family reside in Belleair Shores, Florida. Courage for Life Press Kit 3 Biography - Amick Byram Amick Byram is a two-time Grammy-nominated artist and actor who has sung in over 100 films including Shrek, Aladdin, The Lion King and in The Prince of Egypt as the singing voice of Moses. In addition to his prolific singing career, Amick has appeared in multiple Broadway productions including Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and in Jesus Christ Superstar as Jesus. His television appearances include Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Simpsons and Quincy, M.E. Today, Amick is the producing director and co-founder of the American Coast Theater Company. Additionally, he is the singing voice of David in West Bank Story, which won an Academy Award for best short live action film. His latest endeavor is producing and directing the Courage for Life Bible app, which presents the first fully female-narrated New Living Translation audio Bible. An experienced producer and director, Amick has directed multiple award-winning dramatic audio recordings, five world premieres of original stage musicals and has produced commercial theater in New York City. Amick is married to actress Cassie Byram, and they have two children. Courage for Life Press Kit 4 Biographies - Voices Actresses Cassie Byram narrates the book of John, Ruth and chapters 16-20 in the book of Proverbs. She is an award-winning actress, singer and songwriter. Her noteworthy stage roles include Christine in Phantom of the Opera, Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel and as Maria in West Side Story, for which she received a Critics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theater. Patti Henley narrates the book of Romans, chapters 90-106 in Psalms and chapters 26-31 in the book of Proverbs. As an actress, singer, writer, producer and director, Patti has worked with the best in the business including Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Kathleen Cooke narrates the book of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and chapters 73-89 in the book of Psalms. As a producer, actress, writer and global speaker, Kathleen is a founding partner at Cooke Media Group and is the founder of Christian Women in Media Hollywood. Nan McNamara narrates the book of Hebrews, James and Daniel. Nan has received multiple awards for her performances including the L.A. Weekly Award, Stage Raw Award and Scenie Award, to name a few. She regularly appears in television as well, having played roles in shows such as Switched at Birth and Criminal Minds. Courage for Life Press Kit 5 Tangie Ambrose narrates the book of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, chapters 42-72 in the book of Psalms and chapters 11-15 in the book of Proverbs. Tangie is an American artist, actress, radio talk show host and motivational speaker. Avrielle Corti narrates the book of Mark and chapters 37-50 of the book of Genesis. She has had the honor of performing at the Globe Theater in London and currently voices roles in two different DreamWorks series. Courage for Life Press Kit 6 Suggested Interview Questions 1. Why is having a female-voiced audio Bible important? 2. Aside from being an all-female voiced narration, what makes this app different from other audio Bible apps? 3. Why is it so important to you that this app be available to at-risk women and female inmates? 4. When did your passion for prison ministry begin? 5. What are some special moments you look back on in the recording process of this audio Bible? 6. What are some practical steps you can offer women to dive into a deeper understanding of the Word? 7. Why is reading the Bible necessary to the Christian walk? 8. What is your main hope for this app? 9. How does this correlate to the other offerings within your ministry? 10. If you could offer one message to women who are seeking hope and healing, what would it be? 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