ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- It’s 260 years since the conversion of John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

The famous hymn, wrote Pastor Peter Rahme, author of “The Man and The Story Behind Amazing Grace,” is known worldwide.

Commenting on “Amazing Grace,” Rahme said, “It is hummed and heard on every continent in this world. It transcends race, religion and even record categories. It takes in its stride all nations, regardless of colour, creed or culture. Whether presented in churches, performed in concerts or played in clubs, this song of songs touches the hearts of those who listen to its tune and learn its truth. This hymn of hymns transforms the souls of those who hear its message and heed its meaning.”

March 21 was the 260th anniversary of Newton's conversion.” Commenting on the date Newton said, “March 21 is a day to be remembered by me. I have never suffered it to pass wholly unnoticed since the year 1748. On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out of deep waters."

Rahme added that this year also marks the 250th anniversary of Newton’s beginning to preach the gospel and 235 years since Newton penned the words to “Amazing Grace.”

Rahme, an Australian, is currently on a six week tour in Texas promoting “The Man and the Story Behind Amazing Grace.”

Rahme’s book is a condensed, historical account of the life of John Newton and the story behind “Amazing Grace.” It has been endorsed by Australian Christian leaders.

For more information about Newton and “Amazing Grace,” go to http://amazinggrace.org.au/media/Amazing%20Grace.pdf

To order the book visit www.amazinggrace.org.au

To contact Rahme while he is in the United States, call (310) 801 6647 or e-mail him at info@amazinggrace.org.au

Jeremy Reynalds is a freelance writer and the founder and director of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org or http://www.christianity.com/joyjunction. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City: A Call to Service." Additional details about "Homeless" are available at http://www.HomelessBook.com He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net. Tel: (505) 877-6967 or (505) 400-7145. Note: A higher resolution JPEG picture of Jeremy Reynalds is available on request from Dan Wooding at danjuma1@aol.com.