TWO-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER ZACH WILLIAMS SHARES POWERFUL TALE OF REDEMPTION IN NEW MEMOIR
Rescue Story Details Never Before Shared Insight into Beloved Grammy Winner’s Struggle with Addiction
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 26, 2024) – Two-time GRAMMY® award winner Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting. Before penning heartfelt ballads like “Chain Breaker,” “There Was Jesus (featuring Dolly Parton),” and “Jesus Fault,” Williams battled the significant emptiness and darkness that so often accompanies the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
In his debut memoir, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home (Zondervan, February 27, 2024), Williams gets candid about his journey from substance abuse to a life of faith, hope, and freedom. His compelling story offers a vulnerable look at his personal story of redemption, God’s relentless pursuit, and the power of praying parents.
Enticed by the illusion of stardom, Williams found that drugs, alcohol, and late-night gigs played around the world only left him feeling an inescapable void. Everything he thought he wanted in life failed to fill the yearning in his heart for something more. Desperate for change, Williams quickly became aware of his innate need for God’s rescue and love.
“God has been using broken people, messed up people, for a long time to do His work, so don’t let anybody ever tell you that you’re not qualified or not worthy to do what God is calling you to do,” writes Williams. “If He has a plan for my life, then He has a plan for your life.”
Zach Williams is available for interviews and can speak to:
- 3 signs you’re looking for happiness in the wrong place
- How to find purpose and meaning in the setback
- 4 ways to establish better boundaries for yourself
- Practical simple ways to support others walking through a storm
- The power of a praying parent
Rescue Story is an invitation for readers to find God’s unconditional love, grace, and redemption no matter what mistakes they have made. Williams offers the resounding truth that real hope and purpose can be found in the trials we face because Jesus offers lasting freedom and joy.
Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists and songwriters by carving a niche with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting, which quickly awarded him his first GRAMMY Award® with his debut album, 2017’s Chain Breaker. Rescue Story followed in 2019, and in 2022 Zach returned with his third full-length album, A Hundred Highways. Zach and his family live near Nashville, Tennessee. His new book, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home will be available nationwide February 27, 2024.
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Rescue Story by Zach Williams
- What inspired you to write this book? How difficult was it compared to writing a song?
- You reached the pinnacle of success in your music career, but you shared that you still felt like something was missing. Can you share more about the experience of looking to worldly achievements and pleasures to fulfill you?
- What are three signs that you are looking for happiness in the wrong places?
- You write, “If God has a plan for my life, He has a plan for your life.” What would you say to those who feel like God has forgotten them or they’re “too far gone” for forgiveness?
- How would you encourage someone to find purpose and meaning in their life despite any setback they’ve faced?
- You share in the introduction of Rescue Story that your parents are responsible for everything you have. How would you encourage parents who find themselves in similar situations to pray for their kids?
- Can you tell us a little bit more about the prophetic word your parents received for you and why your dad decided to keep it from you for so long?
- What is the best piece of advice you were given during your personal “rescue story” that you can share?
- What is the most important thing you hope readers take away from Rescue Story?