Just a few months ago I was telling you about the winners in the 23rd Annual Dove Awards seen over the Nashville Network. Now The Family Channel has announced plans to broadcast the 24th Awards Show this year. The ceremony takes place in Nashville, April l, 1993.

Churches, youth groups and schools can now view a couple of new issue-oriented Christian films directed at school-age kids thanks to BC Productions and Pyramid Video and films. Writer, producer and director Ken Carpenter uses modern-day parables to reach out to the needy world. One film is called "Jamie's Secret" and deals with sexual abuse. The other film, titled "A Question of Ethics," is about cheating in school. Both films will be released to the Christian and secular market in slightly different versions. Carpenter says the films do not present the subjects in a preachy manor. Carpenter also utilizes the musical talents of Lisa Bevil, Margaret Becker, Audio Adrenaline and Jon Gibson.

"Jamie's Secret" and "A Question of Ethics" can be ordered for schools through Pyramid film and Video by calling 1-800-421-2304 and for churches through Gospel films at 1-800-253-0413.

Two years after their first release and extensive touring, including opening for Michael W. Smith, as well as many television appearances, DC Talk is back with some new material. Free At Last on ForeFront should hit Christian bookstores any day. Some highlights of the project include remakes of the Doobie Brothers' "Jesus Is Alright" and Bill Withers' "Lean On Me." The title cut goes into race relations while other topics include pre-marital sex, virtuous women and situation ethics. Once again DC Talk will be on the road with Michael W. Smith when his tour begins in early '93.

Speaking of Smitty, his latest hit project, Change Your World, has been certified gold and Go West Young Man is heading toward the platinum pinnacle. Michael will be in your living room Wednesday, December 8, during "The Tonight Show." You can also see Russ Taft on "Nashville Now" on TNN, 9 p.m.on December 10,and Debby Boone shows up on "Live with Regis and Kathy Lee" December 15 (check local listings for time). Amy Grant's making her rounds on TV, also appearing on "The Today Show," December 10; "CBS This Morning" and "Regis and Kathy Lee" on December ll; then on December 18 Amy will be on "The Tonight Show."

Here she comes … Miss America … Leanza Cornett. So what, you say?! Well, Leanza sings with the Myrrh pop group Area Code. Miss Cornett will receive 100,000 bucks and a new Corvette. Her latest gig was at the Disney MGM Studios in Florida playing Ariel of The Little Mermaid fame.

Get set for a new group featuring Dallas Holm, Jerry Williams of Harvest and Dana Key. They call themselves Mesa.

For some reason that reminds me of Mexico and Petra. The Christian rock group recently performed at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional in a Benefit For Love Ministries. Petra treated the crowd to a Spanish-language version of "I Love the Lord." It's from the Spanish version of the praise album The Rock Cries Out.

You say you want to know the story behind the band David & the Giants? It's now in print thanks to Gazowsky Publishing. "Face to Face: David & the Giants" is an autobiography on the twins Clayborn and Rayborn Huff.

Congrats are in order for new parents: like Phil Madiera and Elenor who now have a baby girl, Madelein Hail. Also Mykel Ia mani Write was born to Mike E (Write) and Robin; and Michael Card and wife Susan are changing diapers on a new son, Nathan Allen.

Finally, be looking for the Winan Brothers to be part of a 90-minute CBS Christmas special that will air between December 7-20.

In the meantime it's time to go looking for that perfect Christmas gift for the one you love. I trust you will have a blessed Christmas and I'll sec you in '93.

WJIE PICS

Love is Strong Paul Overstreet

There's Somebody Out There Ron David Moore

I Choose Joy Larnelle

Destiny Twila Paris

Invincible Love Mylon LeFevre

Remember Crystal Lewis

Mercy Ray Boltz

How Could I Ask for More Cindy Morgan

God Has Another Plan Bobbie Mason

Highway of Life Bruce Carroll

Concert Schedule

"Deck The Hall" : Louisville Youth Orchestra, Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Whitney Hall, Kentucky Center for the Arts

"The Gospel According To Scrooge": Dec. 4-13, Louisville Trinity Church, Seatonville Road. Call (502) 491-2572.

The Isaacs: Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m. Church of Our Savior, 11519 Blue Lick Road.

Holiday Showcase of Orchestras: Floyd Country Youth Symphony, Sunday, Dec. 6, 3:00 p.m., Floyd Central High School. Call (812) 949-4328

Michael W. Smith, DC Talk: Friday, February 5, 1993, Louisville Gardens. Tickets go on sale November 27 at TicketMaster, Louisville Gardens, Christian Bookstores.