Leslie H. Stobbe was awarded the R. A. Torrey Award for outstanding service as a publishing pioneer at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference in Montrose, PA. William J. Petersen, recipient of the award in 2003, made the presentation at the conclusion of Writers Theater on July 24, 2008.

The award is named for Dr. R. A. Torrey, world-renowned evangelist, author, and Bible teacher who founded the Montrose Bible Conference one hundred years ago. Dr. Torrey also served as pastor of the Moody Memorial Church and the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles, CA and played a significant role in launching the Moody Bible Institute and Biola University. 

Les is one of only three who have received the award. He was chosen for his long-term commitment to helping first-time authors get published as well as his multifaceted career in book publishing. He served as editor of Moody Press, vice president of Christian Herald Books and Book Clubs, president of Here’s Life Publishers, and now serves as a literary agent, editor in chief of The Christian Writers Guild, and Director of International Christian Writers. He is a former Journalist in Residence at Gordon College and author or co-author of 14 published books and over 700 articles.

Jill Rennick Myers, Dr. Torrey’s granddaughter, author and radio personality who founded Winning Women and the Montrose Christian Writers Conference, was the first to be honored with the award.