Langham author wins international book award
John Steward’s book ‘From Genocide to Generosity’ has won the 2015 INDIEFAB Gold Award for the grief/grieving category.
It was published by Langham Partnership’s publishing ministry in the Langham Global Library imprint. Langham publications are either written by Majority World authors, or specifically for Majority World contexts to equip readers for life and ministry.
Thousands of independent publications are entered into Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB awards each year, and a panel of more than 100 volunteer librarians and booksellers determined the winners in 63 categories.
The awards shine a light on a select group of independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors.
From Genocide to GenerosityJohn Steward served in Rwanda with World Vision in 1997, where he was engaged in reconciliation programmes in the aftermath of genocide. He has been back to visit since, and this book shares insights and lessons learnt from his experiences, giving a voice to local staff and friends in the ministry of reconciliation.
John signs copies of the book for two Rwandans who played key roles in the grass roots process, gacaca. Dr Habyarimana and Mrs Munyeli.
He said in reaction to winning the award: “When From Genocide to Generosity was chosen as one of ten finalists in the area of Grief and Grieving, I was well pleased; I was happy on behalf of Rwandans who’ve faced their grief and found some relief.
“Later, when I received a congratulatory message from INDIEFAB, I thought to myself: ‘someone has understood the content and a GOLD AWARD justly honors the steps towards healing of many in the country of Rwanda’. Grief can be expressed in words of lament, loss, bewilderment, anger, bitterness etc and the book shows that this is a healthy way to open the door for healing to begin.”
Transformation and healing
He highlights programmes that encourage transformation and healing between the people groups, such as workshops on healing the wounds of ethnic conflict, healing of memories and community restorative justice.
More information about Langham Global Library and other supported publishing projects can be found at langhamcreative.org.
About Foreword: Foreword Magazine, Inc is a media company featuring a Folio:-award-winning quarterly print magazine, Foreword Reviews, and a website devoted to independently published books. In the magazine, they feature reviews of the best 170 new titles from independent publishers, university presses, and noteworthy self-published authors. Their headquarters are in Traverse City, Michigan, USA.
