Our Story
Howard and Fran Joslin both lost their first spouses to cancer in the same year. Two years later, they married each other, beginning life together with a total of seven children from their first marriages. Always open to new adventures, Howard planned to begin a PhD program just before Fran shattered her ankle during a family hike. Howard postponed his studies, but as Fran recovered they both sensed a new dream awakening.
They launched Authenticity Book House in 2014, hoping to give Christians with stories to tell a way to see their work in print. Fran began working for ABH just sixteen hours a week. Before long, she took over as president while Howard served as board chair and continued his full time job.
One day Fran sat at a Christian conference with a table full of ABH books, gazing around at other Christian publishers with their tables full of books. “God, why do you want us to do what everyone else is already doing?” Fran wondered.
She returned to the conference the next day to find an empty table. Someone had taken most of ABH’s books in the night. The few remaining books happened to be mini books published for pastor training conferences in Tanzania.
Through this incident, Fran discovered ABH’s niche. ABH authors would write for pastors unable to afford higher education. They would write small books teaching powerful theology in simple language.
After all, small books travel better. They fit comfortably in hands that never held a book of their own. They gradually accumulate to create libraries in churches with little more than four rickety walls. They may not yield royalties on earth, but they produce a flourishing harvest for God’s kingdom.
Our Staff
Fran Geiger Joslin, President
Fran grew up as a missionary kid in Indonesia. Her life shattered when her husband, Brian, lost his battle with brain cancer. Today, remarried to Howard Joslin, she thrives on offering hope to the grieving and teaching with her husband.
Howard Joslin, Board President
Howard earned a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2006, eager to involve himself in ministry. But his heart attack and the death of his wife Ann forced him to postpone his dreams. Howard now serves as the ABH Board chair and lives in Iowa with his wife, Fran. He loves teaching the Scriptures.
Erin Ensinger, Editor in Chief
A former writing professor, Erin homeschools her two daughters while writing and editing manuscripts for ABH. She also runs a lending library for homeschool families. Her hobbies include reading and spending time in nature.
Jessica Helm, Administrative Assistant
Jess has a degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resources. She also worked previously in Christian education. She has a heart to equip the unequipped. Jess enjoys hiking, kayaking, and hanging out with her husband and three children.
Pastor James Kalekwa, ABH Africa Director
James, our director of operations in Africa, oversees book printing, distribution, and pastoral training in Tanzania and beyond. He serves as senior pastor of New Vine Church, where he and his wife Frida model how spouses can partner together in ministry. James and Frida love spending time with their five children.
Join our Team
Volunteer Opportunities
It takes many editors and writers to craft a quality manuscript. Contact us if you would like to join our team.
Prayer remains our base.
