Books with a Focus
He established a testimony in Jacoband appointed a law in Israel,which he commanded our fathersto teach to their children,that the next generation might know them,the children yet unborn,and arise and tell them to their children,so that they should set their hope in Godand not forget the works of Godbut keep his commandments
He established a testimony in Jacoband appointed a law in Israel,which he commanded our fathersto teach to their children,that the next generation might know them,the children yet unborn,and arise and tell them to their children,so that they should set their hope in Godand not forget the works of Godbut keep his commandments
Psalm 78: 5–7
It all started with a family … and with a little red–headed lassie, sitting on a kitchen floor, playing with a basin of water as her mother tried her hand at writing. Two hours and a rather damp toddler later – the first book was finished, and Christian Focus Publications had begun its journey.
William and Carine MacKenzie had been convicted as they raised their young family (of three little red–headed lassies) of the need for, and lack of, literature to fill their girls’ minds with the truths of the gospel. They decided to try to produce a couple of books as a spare–time hobby. With her own young children in mind, Carine wrote the story of Gideon, the Soldier of God and the story of Mary, the Mother of Jesus – two titles in what was later to become the Bibletime series. An illustrator was found and William, with help and encouragement from his brothers, was hopeful of marketing these books in Scotland. The first visit of many to the Frankfurt Book Fair resulted in interest in the books from several European publishers, so these first little books were also published in Sweden, Norway, Holland, Germany, Spain and Italy and had a much wider reach than originally anticipated.
This “hobby” grew quietly and gradually year on year, until it became the institution which it is today: over 1,500 books in print, and 80 to 100 new titles produced each year by a powerhouse of about 20 people, nestled in the Highlands of Scotland. However, each one of those titles still retains the same vision and focus which William and Carine had 39 years ago. The gospel needs to be spread in all its purity, bringing hope to every person who grasps its truth. We strive to produce truth–worthy books which encourage and equip all – from the preacher to the person in the pew – to live for Christ, in the light of His promises. This is our mission – our focus. #BooksWithAFocus #ChristianFocus