A Reader Who Gets It

When I write on controversial issues, I expect to receive notes from people who disagree. What I don't expect are people who write to encourage me. The following note from one of my readers was such a help that I wanted to post it here as well. Deena's words specifically express my goal in all of my books. It was a treasure to have her write them, as I have never even met her before.

Dillon,

I've read several of your books, and the one thing that strikes me in ALL of them is your love and compassion for people, especially those who don't know Jesus Christ as Savior yet. I'm so impressed with your writing, and I am always eager to read and tour a book with your name on it, because I know it will encourage me as a believer to be what Jesus wants me to be...."It's Your kindness that leads us to repentance, O Lord".

Thanks for your interview responses. I can't wait to begin the tour with you and Marla! Many of God's richest blessings for You, my brother. May He anoint the work of your hands as you labor for Him.

Who can you encourage in a similar way today?

LIFEwords Radio Press Release

Below is a copy of the press release sent yesterday regarding my new radio program, LIFEwords Radio.

Harvest House Author Launches New Radio Program

Contact: Dave Bartlett, Harvest House Publishers

Phone: 877-307-0662

Fax: 541-302-0732

Email: dave.bartlett@harvesthousepublishers.com

Web: www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Eugene, Oregon—August 11, 2008—LIFEwords (LIFEwordsRadio.com), a new radio program launched by Harvest House author Dillon Burroughs in July, has been picked up by over 130 stations on major networks throughout the U.S., New Zealand, as well as Sky Angel TV and IPTV. For stations and air times, visit www.readdb.com/radio.html

Designed to explore the spiritual issues of the emerging generation, Dillon developed LIFEwords as an overflow of his extensive social networking, now reaching over 12,000 “friends” and 300,000 views on his MySpace page alone in 2008.

“I didn’t expect LIFEwords to take off the way it did,” Dillon says. “I just started doing media interviews for some of my books and the next thing you know I’m hosting my own program. It’s definitely a God thing.”

Dillon also notes that LIFEwords is designed not only for a Christian audience, but includes segments for airplay on mainstream rock and hip hop stations.

“Some people get upset when they hear about God on a rock station,” Dillon shares, “but my goal is also to communicate spiritual truth with those who listen to The Killers or Coldplay rather than attend church.”

“We are quite enthusiastic about Dillon’s new radio program,” says Barb Sherrill, VP of Marketing at Harvest House Publishers. “It is exciting and encouraging to see how well networked he is, and to watch that network grow as it influences and impacts people around the world with the gospel message.”

Generation Hex (August) is Dillon’s latest release with co-author Marla Alupoaicei. Other recent titles include What Can Be Found in LOST? (an ECPA bestseller and Crossings Book Club selection) and What’s the Big Deal about Other Religions?

Print quality images to accompany this press release are available in digital format. Available images are: cover art, author photo, Harvest House logo.

# # #

Updates from May Tour

• Over 2,000 miles
• 5 states
• 1 amazing journey!

My family and I took our May tour to visit family in Indiana and Illinois. Along the way we experienced some incredible moments. On the first night, we stopped for dinner with my mom and her husband, Ron, at Texas Roadhouse in Evansville, Indiana. Outside, my kids were excited to see a duck hanging out by the sidewalk and proceeded to feed him (or her?) peanuts.

What makes a duck hang out at a steakhouse? The same factors that influence many of our own life choices--free food. Sometimes I think the best marketing tool I could use to sell books would be to add a sticker on the cover that reads, "Includes coupon for free pizza!"

My six-year old son, Ben, posing with the infamous Texas Roadhouse duck.

In other news, that Sunday I spoke at First Baptist Church in N. Terre Haute, Indiana, where I attended church during the four years I attended Indiana State. I spoke on "LIFEwords" and explained how the words we use and how our lives reflect those words can do much good or harm, depending on what we say and how we say it. I'll have the podcast up shortly for anyone who wants to hear the whole thing.

The rest of the week included trips to Atwood, Illinois, population 1,300; time with my pastor Tim Brock at White River in Noblesville, Inidana; and lots of stops along the way at little places my kids and wife love.

[On a side note, I also received an email requesting to translate Misquotes
in Misquoting Jesus into Arabic for Egyptian readers. This little book has sold as an e-book, in Kindle format, and now in foreign translations largely due to the efforts of my pal Fred at Nimble Books. If you've ever wanted to publish on a hot topic, he is the guy to contact.]

Why am I telling you all of this personal stuff? I think it's because I want you to know that even though I'm supposed to be this writer-speaker-expert person, I'd like you to also think of me as a guy who likes to take a vacation with his family and experience life and work as a journey rather than segmented parts of our existence.

I could answer emails and calls on my Q phone (Thank you, Sprint!), occasionally do a little work on my laptop, take pics with my camera or clips on my camcorder, and even preach a sermon, but I also spent a huge portion of my time cuddling my kids, hanging out with grandma, and talking in the minivan with my wife.

And know what...I think God was happy I did.

P.S. For those who are curious, we also found out yesterday that our next baby on the way is a GIRL! I can't wait!

P.S.S. The Contenders Series of small group discussion guides will be available June 15th. Order now via one of the retailers at http://readdb.blogspot.com.

If you ever want an autographed book, just order through www.johnankerberg.org or 1-800-805-3030 and request it. Thanks!