Jerome Gay Jr. is the founding and teaching pastor of Vision Church in Raleigh, NC. He has a vision to see gospel centered churches and leaders raised up within the urban context. He is the author of The Whitewashing of Christianity and Renewal: Grace and Redemption in the Story. Jerome and his wife, Crystal, have two children.John Joven is an illustrator and painter who works from home, where he can share his passion for drawing and painting with his children while working on projects. As a six-year-old, John took his first painting, sculpture, and character design class. As an adult, he has had many opportunities to bring his artistic vision to diverse media, including magazines, newspaper articles, children's books, and animation projects around the globe. He enjoys spending free time with his family, playing soccer with friends, watching movies, reading, writing, and traveling. He lives in Colombia with his wife, Ana, and two children.

"Story has always been a powerful means to convey truth. What better way to tell the beautiful stories of our rich church history than this great work by Jerome Gay. Great art and truth belong together, and this resource is just that! Adults and children alike will enjoy this work that highlights the contributions of these African fathers and mothers of the faith. This work is bound to be a classic that will serve the faith of many until Jesus returns."Eric Mason, Pastor; theologian; author"Some of the most influential theologians in my life were born in and ministered on the continent of Africa. Theirs is a rich and beautiful heritage that is rarely marveled at or pointed out. Jerome Gay has done an exceptional job introducing some of these heroes of the faith to the next generation."Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church; executive chairman, Acts 29"Besides kid-friendly versions of the Bible itself, there is not another children's book I'd recommend more for Black families than African Heroes: Discovering Our Christian Heritage. As he has done in so much of his previous work, Pastor Jerome Gay has put together a book that teaches, celebrates, and presents Christianity the way God meant for it to be done—multiculturally. In reading about their rich Christian heritage, Black children will learn they are as loved, as cherished, and as empowered as any other race or ethnicity of people."Chris Broussard, Internationally known Sports Broadcaster; founder/president of The K.I.N.G. Movement"I discovered many of my African heroes in my twenties—and it changed my life! My heart is glad that future generations of children can discover these heroes at an early age. May this book and these heroes inspire children and change their lives too!"Thabiti M. Anyabwile, President, The Crete Collective; pastor, Anacostia River Church"History is the weight that can keep us grounded or drown us. Jerome Gay is providing the opportunity for young minds to be grounded in great glory and righteousness."Sho Baraka, Author; artist"It's not our history but our memories that most shape us. By pairing these heroes with the virtues they embodied, Jerome ensures that the richest parts of our Christian history are embedded deep into the memories of the next generation. I hope this unique and much-needed book begins a trend where others take up this task."John Onwuchekwa, Director of Resources at Christianity Today; author; entrepreneur"Africa's contributions to Christianity are rarely taught, but this book tells the story we've longed to hear. African Heroes will inspire, educate, and fan the flame of dignity for Black children. This isn't "black-washing" Christianity; rather, it's beautifully illustrated truth-telling for the glory of Jesus! Every family, regardless of race, needs this book in their home."Sarita T. Lyons, Writer; speaker, psychotherapist; director of discipleship and women's ministry, Epiphany Fellowship Church, Philadelphia