For more information, contact:

Diane Morrow, dmorrow@tbbmedia.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Top Christian artists and authors, nationally known pastors, and other Christian leaders will gather at the International Christian Retail Show July 14-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Weekend events open to the public include a worship service, the New Voices Showcase, and the 2012 Champions of the Faith Awards and Benefit Concert.

A message on parental leadership and fatherhood will be part of the Worship Him service 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, in the center’s Chapin Theater. The service features Voddie Baucham Jr., Ph.D., pastor at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, and a popular author of a series of books on family dynamics. Renowned Christian songwriter, musician, author, and teacher Michael Card will lead worship.

Baucham has a unique blend of sound biblical exposition, theological content, and a down-to-earth demeanor that has made him one of the most sought-after preachers and authors of his generation. Card’s career has spanned 30 years. Through his writing, concerts, and teaching, he seeks to grow biblical community. His work includes some of the most memorable contemporary Christian songs, including “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanual.”

A freewill offering will benefit the Orlando Children’s Church of Maitland, Fla.

Free New Voices Showcase Concert

Following the Worship Him service, the free New Voices Showcase will feature new Christian-music artists, including Karyn Williams, Phil King, Stomptown Revival, Christine D’Clario, City Harbor, and Rend Collective Experiment.

Phil Vischer is the concert’s master of ceremonies. Founder of the animated series, VeggieTales, he is the creative driver of the children’s DVD Bible series, Buck Denver Asks What’s in the Bible,” and the online JellyTelly children’s network.

Karyn Williams, eldest daughter of Orlando Magic Senior Vice President and founder Pat Williams, grew up in family with 19 children, 14 of whom were adopted from around the world. She is an artist partner with adoption agency Holt International. Her current hit single is “Rest in the Hope,” and her first album, “Only You,” releases this fall.

Phil King’s vocal styling is described as deeply soulful, which colors his current single, “How Much You Love.” His debut album releases this summer. He co-leads praise and worship at Grace Church in Franklin, Tenn.

Stomptown Revival is a duo including Circleslide lead singer Gabe Martinez and worship leader and recording artist Brandon Bee. Influenced by legacy

music from small country churches across America, Stomptown Revival merges rhythms of the stomp-box pioneered by early bluesmen into a new “spiritual stomp” sound.

Christine D’Clario has worked with Latino artists including Samuel Hernandez, Rene Gonzalez, Julissa, Danny Rivera, Daniel Rene (Menudo) and Angel Lopez. Her Dove Award and Premious Arpa-nominated De Vuelta Al Jardin features “El Nos Ama,” a Spanish version of the popular song “How He Loves.” The Florida resident is a graduate of the prestigious entertainment school Full Sail University, and is a worship leader, producer, and vocal coach.

Rend Collective Experiment is a “movement of friends” that began as a group of confused 20something Brits trying to figure out life, God, and community. About 15 musicians contribute to the organic sound that’s “music for all not just the religious.” The group’s latest album is Homemade Worship by Handmade People.

City Harbor’s debut single “Somebody Tell Them” releases in August. The group tours this fall with Dove Award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli.

Orlando Magic’s Pat Williams honored at benefit concert

Orlando’s own Pat Williams, founder of the Orlando Magic, will be recognized at the Champions of the Faith Awards and Benefit Concert 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 14, in the convention center’s Chapin Theater.

The event benefits the Premier Foundation, which has distributed more than $3 million in grants during the past 13 years to such charities as The James Fund, World Vision, Compassion Intl., and other Christian non-profit ministries and charities. The new auction and concert program aims to increase foundation giving.

The awards and concert feature live and silent auctions. Among live auction items are autographed guitars, a NASCAR VIP Pit Crew Package for two, and a cruise cabin for Music Boat 2012 Nov. 5-9 donated by Premier Christian Cruises. The cruise, valued at more than $3,000, includes musical performances by the Newsboys, Sanctus Real, Brandon Heath, Chris August, Natalie Grant, Building 429, and others.

Artist Jared Emerson will create an original work in a live performance during the benefit concert, and the painting will be auctioned afterwards. The concert includes Karyn Williams and Cadence.

Awards recognize leaders who live their work and personal lives according to Christian principles. In addition to Williams, who is honored in the sports category, are EMI Christian Music Group (Music); Campus Crusade (Charity); Lysa TerKeust, Proverbs 31 Ministries (Author); Ed Kobel, president of the DeBartolo Group (Business); publisher Thomas Nelson Inc. (Christian Product Supplier); For All Bible Center (Christian Store Retailer).

General admission is $25 and tickets may be purchased at iTickes.com or by calling (800) 965-9324. For details, visit www.thechampionsofthefaith.com.

For more information on the International Christian Retail Show visit www.Christianretailshow.com.