MAI – Media Associates International
MAI – Media Associates International – is an organization my hubby and I have supported for well over twenty years. Its president, John Maust, is a dear friend, who teaches and “shepherds” aspiring international authors. His heart is to travel the globe to train writers everywhere to publish Christian literature in their own countries. We’ve all heard the Navajo proverb:
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
MAI says: “Publish a Christian book for an international author, and they’ll have one book. Teach international authors to publish, and they’ll have quality Christian literature for generations.”
A Recent Success Story
In MAI’s most recent newsletter, I was so excited to see an Egyptian author’s debut biblical fiction novel. And it’s selling like hotcakes, y’all! Here’s the article (reprinted from the newsletter with permission).
At the Cairo International Book Fair this January, Egyptian author Youtham Gamal greeted fans and signed copies of his first novel, Hatshepsut: She loved a man but ruled over men (translated from Arabic, published by Dar Gorap). The book is based loosely on the life of Hatsheput, the first Egyptian queen to rule as pharaoh.
Youtham targeted a young, general audience, infusing the story with biblical truth. Once the queen reaches power, she starts seeking God. Her emissary to the Promised Land discovers and reports that God does not dwell in caves or temples but in the hearts of His seekers. The first print run has already sold out.
Youtham credits the book’s publication to input he received at our 2016 workshop in Cairo. That training was part of our continuing partnership with Arab Christian publishers in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Arabic is one of the world’s five most spoken languages. “Please pray for the effect of the story in the lives of readers,” Youtham asked.
In September, I’ll teach a webinar for MAI participants: “How to Write Biblical Fiction.” What an honor to have the opportunity, and what a mighty God we serve!
If you’d like more information about MAI and it’s fantastic ministry, check out their website at www.littworld.org. And please pray for God’s continued blessing on these folks!
