VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/25/10)—During Autism Awareness Month (April), Judson Press has scheduled a virtual book tour and free webinar to launch its newest release, Autism & Alleluias. From April 1–7, 2010, nationally known author and speaker Kathleen Deyer Bolduc will take to cyberspace with interviews, guest posts, and reviews of her book on more than 30 websites. Participants in the virtual tour include individuals and families touched by autism, autism experts, disability-related organizations, and related Christian ministries. For a complete list of participating sites, visit http://www.judsonpress.com/blogtour.cfm.
On April 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. E.S.T., Judson Press will offer a free webinar titled “A Place Called Acceptance” on the topic of autism and disability ministries. Bolduc will be joined for this presentation by Bill Gaventa, editor of the Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, and Ginny Thornburgh, program director of the Interfaith Initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities. Those interested in attending may register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/400446400.
In Autism & Alleluias, Bolduc shares vignettes related to life with her son Joel, an intellectually challenged young adult with autism. Her stories reveal the role that faith plays in helping families cope with the challenges presented by this disorder. Foreword writer Bill Gaventa explains, “Kathy Bolduc invites us into the concrete, messy, detailed, and often colorful experiences of life with Joel, her son with autism. She shares her stories, and then lets us see the ways her questions, faith, hopes, and finally, love, left her open to finding and seeing God in the places, events, and relationships where she, and we the readers, might least expect.”
A review in the most recent issue of CBA Retailers + Resources praised Bolduc’s book: “An honest and candid glimpse at life with an autistic child. Autism & Alleluias is not a run-of-the-mill 'woe-is-me' saga. Bolduc bravely exposes her deepest fears and feelings, disappointments and delights. Readers with autistic children of any age will identify immediately with her stories, as well as the heartfelt prayers that close each chapter.”
For more information about the tour, webinar, or book, visit www.judsonpress.com or contact Marketing Director, Kim Shimer at publicity@judsonpress.com. Autism & Alleluias retails for $14.00 and can be ordered online or by calling Judson Press at 800-458-3766.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press—a publishing ministry of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA—produces Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of persons, congregations, communities, and cultures.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.