‘Feral Child’ Pulitzer Prize Article, US Airways Flight 1549 Survivor Story Provide Journalistic Reading
May 4, 2009 – The Spring issue of Purpose Driven Connection magazine, developed through a collaborative partnership between Dr. Rick Warren and The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., hits newsstands today, offering award-winning content. Included is the magazine exclusive of the Pulitzer Prize winning article, “Rebirth of a Feral Child.”
“This second issue of Purpose Driven Connection provides some of the finest journalistic material available in magazines today,” said Editorial Director Frank Lalli. “We have brought in the best professional writers from around the world to develop timely, encouraging and engaging articles.”
Originally published in The St. Petersburg Times and written by Lane DeGregory with photos by Melissa Lyttle. “Rebirth of a Feral Child” tells the true-life, remarkable account of a little girl named Dani and the power of love. Found at the age of seven – severely neglected, lying in a dark closet – Dani exhibited the physical and mental capabilities of a toddler.
Doctors classified Dani’s condition as “environmental autism,” having been deprived of interaction for so long that she had withdrawn from herself. This award-winning article shares the story of one family’s desire to take on the task of caring for Dani and restoring joy and life into this “feral child.”
Purpose Driven Connection magazine, containing a small group DVD and study guide workbook, is the flagship resource of Purpose Driven Connection, an innovative multi-media suite of tools that includes an interactive Web site. This second issue follows the inaugural issue in providing high-quality content and personal stories of persevering in the most difficult times.
“God’s Hand Was on All of Us” shares the first-hand experience of Dave Sanderson, a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549 who describes the plane’s crash into the icy Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009, and God’s grace that surrounded the 155 passengers aboard. Sanderson shares the untold story of travelers coming together to evoke courage and hope within each other in order to survive the dangerous situation.
“Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have been on that flight,” said Sanderson. “I think God put me there because it was my time to grow. He gave me the courage I needed to help others get off the plane and into the rescue boasts. God’s hand was on all of us. He enveloped our pilot, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger – gave him strength to guide the plane down and make a picture-perfect water landing. God put all the right people in all the right places at all the right times that day. I believe God was showing us that there is hope.”
In addition, this Purpose Driven Connection magazine highlights champion swimmer Becki Melli who was paralyzed for life in the midst of training for the Olympics; firefighter Russell Jackson’s effort to help care for the medical needs of children by providing transportation and loving on them; and the impeccable business model of Chick-fil-A.
“We want to reach people where they are and help them connect to both God and others,” said Warren, editor-in-chief of Purpose Driven Connection, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” the bestselling hardback book in American history, and pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California. “That’s why we created Purpose Driven Connection to not only entertain but speak to the heart and issues people are dealing with on a daily basis.”
To fulfill this mission, many articles address timely issues such as a piece by personal financial management expert Dave Ramsey titled, “How to Triumph in Tough Financial Times.” Ramsey shares his knowledge on weathering tough times by not panicking, getting back to the basics and saving for a rainy day.
“A lot of Americans can’t remember past recessions, bank failures, drops in stock market and other tough financial times,” Ramsey writes. “But, our economy will recover and if you have a good game plan and trust God to help you make solid decisions, you can survive whatever the economy throws at you.”
Warren also contributed several pieces for the issue including, “When You Feel Like Giving Up,” which deals with the contagious disease of discouragement that is sweeping our nation. He reminds readers that discouragement is a choice, which if not treated, can make circumstances seem unbearable. Instead, he challenges them to learn to face these situations by focusing on small things, such as resting your body, reorganizing your life and remembering the Lord to help you overcome the fatigue, fear and frustration that accompany discouragement.
As with each edition of Purpose Driven Connection, a small group workbook and DVD curriculum is included. Following the first issue’s study, “40 Days of Love,” readers will receive “WideAngle: Framing Your Worldview” taught by Warren and Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries with this April magazine release.
Purpose Driven Connection launched in January 2009 and is available through an annual subscription membership for $29.99, but a group discount rate is available through participating religious congregations and businesses. The magazine is also available on newsstands nationwide, including Wal-mart. For additional information, visit www.PurposeDriven.com.
With offices in 45 countries, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. markets books, magazines, music, video and educational products reaching 100 million households in 79 countries from its global headquarters in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Note to Editors: For more information about Dr. Rick Warren or to receive a review copy of the Purpose Driven Connection Spring magazine, please visit www.PurposeDrivenNews.com.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kristin Cole 615.289.6701
kristin@alarryross.com
