Landmark book released by Pacific Press®

Nampa, Idaho (March 14, 2002) - Pacific Press is pleased to announce the publication of Messiah, a contemporary adaptation of The Desire of Ages, written by best-selling author, Jerry D. Thomas. Heralded by many as a landmark publishing event for our church, Messiah transforms Ellen White’s turn-of-the-century writing style into language that is comfortable for readers today.

“I was immensely blessed by the opportunity to spend so many hours with The Desire of Ages,” Thomas says. “That book is a gift from God, and it is my privilege to bring this simplified version to readers today. Messiah was written for students, young adults, new members, or anyone who finds the language of the original to be intimidating or hard to understand.”

Thomas worked closely with the Ellen G. White Estate in developing Messiah. “They were very supportive of the project and carefully went over the words to be certain that Ellen White’s message was not being distorted,” he says. “Messiah is certainly not intended to be a replacement for The Desire of Ages. I hope it leads people to read more of Ellen White’s beautiful book on the life of Jesus.”

Thomas served as a pastor and an academy religion teacher before joining Pacific Press as a book editor ten years ago. He is the author of more than twenty books, including the popular Detective Zack, Great Stories for Kids, and Shoebox Kids Bible Stories series. His books have been translated into five languages and are sold around the world.

This year, he and his wife, Kitty, collaborated on a new picture book called Don’t Let Your Heart Feel Funny. With his experience as a children’s book author and his degrees in theology and education, he is uniquely qualified to make the story of Jesus simple and understandable for readers of all ages.

A beautiful hardcover with a special new painting of Jesus on the cover, Messiah is available at your Adventist Book Center or online at www. adventistbookcenter.com.

Responses to Messiah:

“For more than one hundred years, readers of Ellen G. White’s deeply moving biography of Jesus, The Desire of Ages, have had their love for the Savior deepened through reading the book. Although in this paraphrase of the classic original, the language has been adapted for a new generation of readers, as I read it, my heart responded anew to the modern retelling of the timeless story of the Messiah’s life and sacrifice. It is my conviction that for thousands today, this new edition will be as much appreciated and helpful spiritually as the classic original has been through the years for people all over the world.” James R. Nix, director, Ellen G. White Estate.

“I was touched by its beautiful message and friendly style. Comparing it chapter by chapter with The Desire of Ages. I find the content and message very similar and accurate but in a style that is more clearly read and understood; especially for children and youth. It will be spiritually uplifting reading that will better acquaint our people with their Savior.” Don R. Hevener, vice-president for education, NAD “I have long thought that a popular ‘translation’ of The Desire of Ages was needed and would be useful to many readers. This book should be shared far and wide. God is going to richly bless this effort.” Noelene Johnsson, director, children's ministries department, NAD.