Paul Luckraft interviews Manoj Raithatha, co-founder and owner of Instant Apostle, a publishing house with a difference.

It is always interesting and inspiring to learn how God births a new work, especially when under unusual circumstances within a familiar field - in this case the world of publishing.

Instant Apostle is relatively new to the Christian book market but is already making a significant impression. Talking to Manoj gave me a real sense of its purpose and potential.

Initial Vision

Manoj's early career was in the property business but when converted from a Hindu background in 2008, he began to question what it really meant to be a Christian in business. How could he make a real difference for the Kingdom? Was it just about making money or was it possible to create something that promotes the values of God's Kingdom in the world?

The initial vision for Instant Apostle came from elsewhere. Bridget Adams was a Church of England priest with a difference - her parish was the business world. With a background in science research, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for Christians in business, she was instrumental in hearing from God that a new publishing house could serve His needs well in the current spiritual climate in this country.

She shared this vision with Manoj who was initially reluctant and declined any personal involvement. Or at least, that was his position until one decisive day when, simply sitting in a café with Bridget and not even discussing the venture, God intervened. Manoj describes it as a "clear moment from God when the Spirit hit and said, Do it!" From then on he knew – it was time to get to work!

Instant Apostle is relatively new to the Christian book market but is already making a significant impression.

Reliance on PrayerManoj's autobiography, published 2015.

From that point it was only a few short months before Instant Apostle was launched in April 2012. But how to get manuscripts to turn into books?

Prayer has proved to be the key; indeed, it was an important component from the beginning when the name Instant Apostle was given to Bridget in prayer. The first manuscripts simply arrived, there was no need to go searching for them. Since then, whenever the next publishing deadline approaches, Manoj simply prays and God provides. Three times a year, five new titles are required, and so far there has never been a shortfall. God is looking after this business!

Finance has also never been a problem. Starting with just £5,000 as seed money to set up the business, it has since been self-supporting simply through selling books (mainly via Amazon, Eden and Christian bookshops). Instant Apostle is also a publishing partner of Lion Hudson.

Whenever the next publishing deadline approaches, Manoj simply prays and God provides.

Instant Apostle is always looking for new writers, especially those who are passionate about addressing diverse social issues from a Kingdom perspective. A further aim is to publish titles that can also cross over into the secular marketplace. Books that can speak into 'the now' are particularly welcome, prophetic voices that will change the way readers understand God's Kingdom and see the world. If you have a book in you, then here is one channel to explore – not all manuscripts are accepted, of course; quality is important!

Here is a pioneer publishing house that the originator Bridget Adams described as "a download from God". Sadly, since its launch Bridget went to be with the Lord, but as part of her legacy, Instant Apostle lives on and, though it is likely to remain small within the publishing world as a whole, its future influence seems assured.

Find out more about Instant Apostle on their website, instantapostle.com. Read more about Manoj's conversion experience in his autobiography Filthy Rich (2015, Monarch Books, available on Amazon), which also shares about the Instant Apostle venture.

We reviewed one of Instant Apostle's books, The Returning King by Claire Lambert, earlier this year.