Littworld is a Christian conference for writers and publishers dedicated to enabling Christians to produce material suited for their countries and congregations.
It’s a common issue for believers in countries like Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe. You walk into a Christian bookstore, and cannot seem to find many, if any, locally-written books on faith, penned by authors who understand your culture and issues. While learning from the likes of Derek Prince and Charles Spurgeon is wonderful, a book written by a local Christian helps other local Christians in ways that cannot be paralleled—reading how someone has overcome the same issues you are facing, or learning ways to reach out that have worked in the context of your country, is a blessing and a need.
This is what Littworld was created to do: to enable such books to be written for believers who need material. Littworld is a global triennial Christian publishing training conference, and this year, it will be held in Singapore from 28 October to 2 November. The conference will attract more than 250 professionals from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and Latin America and the Middle East. The very first Littworld was held in 1986. Then, the conference was attended by 94 countries all across the globe.
The organizer of Littworld is MAI (Media Associates International), a non-profit Christian agency that seeks to “combat the famine [by equipping] men and women to create life-changing books and articles in their heart language.” MAI’s training ministry, particularly in countries and cultures with limited Christian publishing or witness, stimulates the creation of books, periodicals and other written materials that nurture the church and attract general readers to Christ. Since MAI’s founding in 1985, they have helped equip people in 79 countries, across five continents, training a total of 8,600 people.
The conference offers a large variety of useful and hands-on activities participants can take part in. They will be able to attend plenary sessions led by more than 40 international publishing professionals as well as small group workshops where they will be able to hone their skills through hands-on training and critique from professionals. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend devotionals and one-on-one consultations, which give them fresh vision and skills for heightened effectiveness. Throughout the duration of the conference, there will be ample opportunities for networking and relationship-building. The last conference in 2015 gathered 278 Christian publishing staff and writers from 50 countries.
Littworld also helps increase attendees’ efficiency as publishers or writers. Participants will gain fresh skills and be equipped with the necessary knowledge and abilities to deal with the fast-paced and ever-changing world of publishing and communications. Littworld provides its participants with the means and training to not just survive but to thrive in the industry.
Since it started Littworld, MAI has seen the birth of many publishing houses, new books conceived, and skills refined for more effective Christian publishing. The conference has not only inspired and empowered writers and publishers, it has also left them with a new or reinforced commitment to publish more books and articles by local authors in their various communities.
Says MAI president John Maust: “The world of publishing is changing, but the one constant is the need for excellent content. At LittWorld 2018, global publishers and writers will look at fresh new ways to help today’s readers see and apply the power of the Bible in their everyday lives and to know the Word made flesh.”
Littworld 2018 runs from October 28 to November 2, 2018, and is open to all Christian writers and publishers. The all-inclusive conference fee includes registration and materials, five nights’ lodging, all meals and coffee breaks from Sunday dinner through Friday breakfast, and a half-day outing. Travel to and from Singapore is not included. Early bird fees: Two-to-share costs are US$835 (US$895 after June 15) per person; single room cost is US$1195 (US$1,275 after June 15). For Singaporeans and Singapore residents, non-residential fees are US$450 (US$510 after June 15). Registration closes August 5. Click here to register. For more information, visit littworld.org.
