8 September 2026 | Grantham, UK [Charlene Martin with tedNEWS]
Stanborough Press, the British Union Conference (BUC) publishing house, welcomed visitors to its annual Open Day in Grantham, UK, on Sunday, 6 September, highlighting the role of literature in ministry and outreach, and hosting the launch of Brenda Walsh’s latest book, Behind the Mask. The event gave visitors the opportunity to browse its range of Bibles, books, periodicals and devotional materials while learning more about the work involved in producing resources for Adventist churches as well as for individuals.
“It is important for us to be visible, to show what we do and the full wealth of titles the church has as resources,” said Elisabeth Sanguesa, a member of the Stanborough Press team. “There are many content creators, but they need content, which we provide.”
Books, ministries and activities
Before the main programme began, guests browsed aisles filled with books and other resources, as visitors browsed the displays, purchased their items and caught up with friends. One attendee shared, “I love it, that is why I attend every year. Books stimulate the mind and deepen my knowledge of the Bible.”
Another attendee said she enjoyed purchasing books to share with friends, while first-time visitors spoke positively about the welcoming atmosphere created by the Press staff.
Visitors were also able to meet vendors and representatives of ministries and community initiatives. Children were included in the day’s activities, with North England Conference Children’s Ministries Director Bekezela Peters and her team organising games and using everyday objects to help explain spiritual truths in ways children could easily understand. Food was available throughout the day, with visitors able to choose from snacks and full meals.
Literature as a tool for mission
The main programme began with worship led by a praise team from Milton Keynes, followed by a presentation from Dusanka Rancic, editor of the Messenger and Focus magazines.
Rancic explained the role of the Messenger in communicating the Adventist Church’s vision, strategic plans, reports and news from across the United Kingdom and Ireland. She also highlighted the importance of printed and digital media in evangelism and explained how Focus can be used as a tool for outreach.
Her presentation showcased resources available for adults, young people and children, as well as publications designed for people who do not yet know Christ, encouraging church members to use literature as a means of sharing the gospel.
Brenda Walsh launches Behind the Mask
One of the highlights of the Open Day was the launch of Behind the Mask, the 20th book by author and international speaker Brenda Walsh. Known to many as “Miss Brenda” through her role as host and producer of Kids Time, Walsh has written devotionals, children’s titles and books on relationships.
During the launch, she spoke about the personal experiences that led her to write Behind the Mask, a memoir in which Walsh describes a marriage that began with a shared faith and the hope of serving God together, but which she says later became marked by narcissistic abuse. The book presents Walsh’s account of the emotional impact of those experiences, the challenges she associates with surviving silent abuse, and her journey towards healing through faith.
“This was not a story I wanted to write,” Walsh said.
She told attendees that she completed the book in 38 days and believed God had given her the strength to share her experiences openly in the hope of helping others.
Walsh’s presentation prompted discussion during the question-and-answer session about how individuals and churches can support people experiencing similar situations. Attendees wanted to know how they could better respond to those in need and provide appropriate support.
Pastor Don McFarlane, a former president of the BUC, said the book had created an opportunity for more open conversations. “The book has opened a space where we can take off our masks and seek help,” he said.
Following the presentation, visitors purchased copies of the book and attended a signing session, where Walsh met readers, posed for photographs and offered words of encouragement.
For more than 60 years, Stanborough Press has produced and distributed Christian literature and resources from Grantham. Its publishing ministry continues to support churches, outreach initiatives and readers through material intended to educate, encourage and, in the words of the Press, “introduce people to Jesus”.
[Photos: AKlass Photography]
