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Purpose Driven Connection Quarterly Magazine Spring Issue Includes Pulitzer-Winning Article: Magazine Exclusive 'Feral Child' Story Won 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing

Posted on: Wednesday, 29 April 2009, 11:58 CDT

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 - the magazine exclusive of the Pulitzer Prize winning article, "Rebirth of a Feral Child."

Editorial Director Frank Lalli said, "In keeping with the Purpose Driven Connection's standards of excellence, we are proud to present the unforgettable story of Dani and the power of love that saved her life."

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, inspiring story of Dani's amazing recovery after being found at the age of seven - severely neglected, lying in a dark closet with the 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classified Dani's condition as "environmental autism," having been deprived of interaction for so long that she had withdrawn from herself.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 care for Dani and bring joy and love to 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.

This edition of Purpose Driven Connection also features "God's Hand Was on All of Us," the first-hand experience of Dave Sanderson, a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549. Sanderson puts the reader in the seat next to him as he describes the plane's crash into the icy Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009, and God's grace that surrounded the 160 people aboard. This is the untold story of travelers coming together to evoke courage and hope within each other in order to survive the crash.

"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 boats. 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 and founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California who also authored the best-selling hardback in American publishing history, "The Purpose Driven Life." "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.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Kristin Cole 615.289.6701 kristin@alarryross.com

SOURCE Purpose Driven Connection

Source: PR Newswire

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