Purpose Driven Connection Quarterly Magazine Spring Issue Includes Pulitzer-Winning...

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

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deprived of interaction for so long that she had withdrawn from herself.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

Kristin Cole, +1-615-289-6701, kristin@alarryross.com, for Purpose Driven
Connection