{"id":12408,"date":"2022-09-08T16:07:36","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T21:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/?p=12408"},"modified":"2022-09-08T16:07:36","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T21:07:36","slug":"stronger-together-equipping-global-christian-writers-and-publishers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/id\/stronger-together-equipping-global-christian-writers-and-publishers\/","title":{"rendered":"Stronger Together: Equipping Global Christian Writers and Publishers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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by John Maust<\/em><\/p>\n

Imagine going to a bookstore and starting to browse. The authors\u2019 names sound strange, and so do situations described in their books. Then you realize most were written by authors from a different country or area of the world. You search in vain for locally authored material that speaks directly to your situation and needs.<\/p>\n

This exact situation faces Christians in many parts of the Majority World. In some nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America East\/Central Europe and the Middle East, less than 10 percent of the available Christian content is written by local authors.<\/p>\n

Where the Global Church is growing, too often a lack of homegrown Christian literature hinders its maturity and outreach.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost Christian books in Zimbabwe were written overseas,\u201d writer and educator Priscilla Musoki said. \u201cGood as these books may be, they do not tell the Zimbabwean story. They are not contextualized to the local situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

To help combat this famine of contextual Christian content, MAI equips men and women to create life-transforming books and articles in their heart language.<\/p>\n

Since our founding in 1985, MAI has conducted trainings in more than 90 countries for 10,000 Christian publishing staff and writers. As a result, we have seen budding writers developed, publishing houses grown, periodicals launched and books produced.<\/p>\n

Team effort<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a Chicago headquarters staff of four and a modest budget, MAI carries out this international program through a global network of volunteer trainers. Gifted publishing professionals from many different organizations, companies, and countries donate their expertise and time to equip others.<\/p>\n

One such trainer, Tim Thornborough of The Good Book Company in the UK, led workshops at the recent LittWorld 2022 global publishing conference in Hungary.<\/p>\n

\u201cConnecting with people across the globe involved in writing, publishing and book distribution and selling was a truly magnificent experience,\u201d Tim said. \u201cThe gifting and passion for communicating God\u2019s Word was astonishing to me\u2026. My eyes were opened wide to the struggles, opportunities and excitement of publishing around the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, MAI Trustees groups in Europe, Asia and Africa spearhead training in their respective regions. We also partner with numerous local and international groups having a similar vision for vibrant, local Christian publishing, and welcome this opportunity to engage with you in the UK\u00a0Christian retail and supply trade.<\/p>\n

Trainings tailored to each situation<\/strong><\/p>\n

MAI trainings are tailored to the needs of each local situation, as we seek to:<\/p>\n