NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- After three years of thorough research and diligent preparation the new Gospel book, "The Man & The Story Behind Amazing Grace" is finally ready.

Cover artwork for the book 'The Man & the Story Behind Amazing Grace'

In its first print run, 42 different Churches and Christian leaders ordered the tracts --each personalized with their own details on the back.

A group of Churches in Melbourne, Australia, ordered 100,000 tracts to use for their Amazing Grace Outreach at the Commonwealth Games.

"We're now up to 500,000 in print," said author, Pastor Peter Rahme.

Translations are already in process in Greek and Chinese, with a Korean translation soon to follow.

"The tract, Lord willing, will also be translated into as many languages as possible starting with Arabic, Spanish, and Italian. If you'd like to help with the translation we'd love to hear from you," Rahme told ANS.

"Here is a book that tells 'The Wonderful Great Story Behind The World's Greatest Song,'" he said.

A condensed but a comprehensive narrative, with a strong evangelistic emphasis, it is an easy to follow historical account of the soul of John Newton and the story of his Amazing Grace.

"Amazing Grace is hummed and heard on every continent in this world!" he explained. "It transcends race, religion and even record categories. It takes in its stride all nations, regardless of color, 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."

Pastor Peter Rahme

Rahme added: "Monday, August 4, 2008, marks the 250th anniversary of its author, John Newton's decision to enter the ministry. Newton himself said: ' It was my dear mother's hope that I enter the ministry...'"

Pastor Rahme, who last week returned to Australia from the International Christian Retail Show 2008 (ICRS) in the US, also says that 2008 marks the 260th anniversary of John Newton's conversion to Christ as well as the 235th anniversary since the former slave trader introduced the world to what we now know -- and love -- as Amazing Grace.

Pastor Rahme, producer of the popular “The Life & Legacy of Mr. Eternity” gospel resources, was interviewed earlier in the year on Daystar Television Network by Marcus and Joni Lamb on their flagship program “Celebration.”

To view part of the interview on YouTube, about his inspiring book which he published in 2007 to coincide with the release of the “Amazing Grace” movie in Australia and the 200th anniversary of the death of John Newton,click on http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=hSs07faizTM  

Forworded by the Rev. Hon. Fred Nile MLC, and endorsed by a large number of Christian leaders, "The Man & The Story Behind Amazing Grace" is a modern-day version of "More than a Carpenter" that tells the wonderful story behind the world's greatest song.

To request a complimentary copy of "The Man & the Story Behind Amazing Grace" in PDF format, set up interviews, discuss promotional opportunities, or obtain additional information, contact: Pastor Peter Rahme by email at info@amazinggrace.org.au .

To view/download the gospel tract/short version please click on: http://amazinggrace.org.au/media/Amazing%20Grace.pdf   

The Gospel book is distributed to the trade in the US by NewLife Book Distributor (EAN: 9780980339109; www.stl-distribution.com), or you can visit www.amazinggrace.org.au.

Amazing Grace Office
PO Box 5296,Chullora, NSW 2190, Australia
National Tel. (02) 9742 5716 ; Fax. (02) 9742 5715
International Tel. (+61 2) 9742 5716 ;

Fax. (+61 2) 9742 5715
E-mail; info@amazinggrace.org,au;

Website: www.amazinggrace.org.au  

** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. Michael's involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- Michael Ireland Media Missionary (MIMM) -- of ACT International at: Artists in Christian Testimony (ACT) International.