Contact:
Tara Powers, Brian Burch (616) 233-0500, tpowers@lambert-edwards.com, bburch@lambert-edwards.com
Provides Books and Bibles to Influential NASCAR Ministry; Future Stock Car Edition Bible in Works
GRAND RAPIDS, MI, August 7, 2008 – Zondervan, one of the world’s largest Christian communications companies, today announced it is an official sponsor of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), a Christian organization serving the NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing Series and Nationwide Racing Series.
MRO is best known for hosting Sunday morning church services immediately following the traditional driver’s meeting. The 30-minute MRO chapel services take place in the infield of the racetrack and features upbeat music and a traditional sermon from an MRO chaplain.
As official sponsor, Zondervan will provide books and Bibles for MRO’s Mobile Fan Trailer and will have its logo included on the Mobile Fan Trailer. MRO chaplains and its congregants will use Zondervan products during its chapel services and will distribute resources to drivers, their crews, family members and fans seeking the guidance of Jesus Christ. Zondervan is also partnering with MRO on the development of a stock car edition Bible project.
“For most Christians, Sunday is a time for church and worship, but for the men and women of NASCAR Sundays are also race day. MRO is a valuable resource to help this community find time for worship and fellowship,” said Moe Girkins, President and CEO of Zondervan. “We are happy to support MRO’s mission to provide support and Christian resources to one of the fastest-growing faith communities in professional sports.”
Following traditional church services, MRO chaplains walk down the line of 43 cars prior to each race offering a prayer to each competitor. The nondenominational ministry also offers Bible studies for men, women and children at all race locations, and hosts Christian music concerts from the Mobile Fan Trailer that draw hundreds of people, including some of the drivers and their families.
“NASCAR drivers are serious about racing, and for many, prayer before they race is an equally serious matter. We are delighted that we can be there with the help of organizations like Zondervan,” said Billy Mauldin, president and CEO of Motor Racing Outreach. “With Zondervan’s support we can continue to expand our ministry and support the faith walk of more fans and the racing community as a whole.”
About Motor Racing Outreach
MRO helps those in the NASCAR community with their spiritual journey and to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Founded by the late Max Helton in 1988, MRO helps serve as a de facto church for drivers, crew members, media and fans who want to attend worship services while still attending the races. Learn more about MRO at www.go2mro.com.
Zondervan, a
HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling
Bibles,
books,
audio,
video,
curriculum,
software, and
digital products through its
Zondervan,
eZondervan,
Zonderkidz,
Youth Specialties,
Editorial Vida, and
National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com (mobile site:
zvan.mobi).
