For parents who have a little one that loves to play with cars and trucks, a new series of books written by Sarah Reju and illustrated by Tania Rex is sure to become an instant favorite. The Wheelies are a family of vehicles whose adventures are both fun and relatable to children ages 3–8. And when trouble finds young Coop, as it always seems to do, the truth of the gospel always steers him back in the right direction.

In book one, Coop Messes Up (New Growth Press/February 26, 2024), the youngest member of the Wheelie family learns a big lesson in forgiveness and God’s love when he breaks one of the rules. The energetic and inquisitive mini-cooper, like many little ones, he has a problem obeying the rules—and there are a lot of them! When Coop runs out of gas, his sister, Lucy, a police car who prides herself on always following the law, tries to help him learn to follow the rules.

However, in the course of trying to teach Coop every rule in the book, the sometimes-self-righteous Lucy finds herself right in the middle of the trouble too. Their Ma, a loving and gentle fire truck who is always busy, racing around to put out “fires,” comes to the rescue. In the process of getting her stranded children back home safe, she teaches Coop and Lucy about her unconditional love for them, and God’s unconditional love for all of us.

“God loves you because he loves you. God isn’t waiting for you to get your act together and stop messing up before he will start loving you. God loves you right now, and his love for you is based on his character, not your performance,” Reju shares. “Life as a mother of five has taught me a lot about the things kids struggle with, and lies they are tempted to believe about God and themselves. In this book, we’re countering the lie that they need to obey perfectly for God to love them.”

Through Coop’s story, kids will discover that making mistakes can be an important way to learn about forgiveness and the gospel. A special section at the end of the story, including a “Notes for Parents” page, helps families go deeper in talking about the good news that Jesus came to forgive us when we break God’s law. Children will learn—and parents will be reminded—that being a Christian is not about keeping all the rules.

Children’s author and The Gospel Coalition editor Jared Kennedy writes, “Sarah Reju understands young kids. She’s written a series of books that will be particularly engaging for boys and girls who love fast cars and big trucks. Sarah also gets the good news. In Coop Messes Up, she speaks directly to kids growing up in a performance-oriented, keep-the-rules world, reminding them that while the law is good, it cannot change a sinful heart. Only the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ can bring that change. That’s a message every child (and adult) needs to hear!”

The second book in The Wheelies series, Coop Helps Out, releases September 16, 2024. As the series continues, readers will meet Pops (a humble servant garbage truck) and the rest of the Wheelie siblings: James (a reliable, hard-working pickup truck), Joy (a Jeep who loves outdoor adventures), and Nory (an artistic, animal-loving VW beetle).

Coop Messes Up
The Wheelies Book 1
by Sarah Reju
Illustrated by Tania Rex
February 26, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-64507-411-3
Retail Price: $16.99
Juvenile Fiction/Religious/Christian/Values and Virtues

About the Author:  Sarah Reju, MDiv, is a pastor’s wife and mother living in Washington, DC. She has a MDiv in Christian Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Reju is the author of the children’s books Jesus Saves, God Is Better Than Trucks, God Is Better Than Princesses, and Coop Messes Up (the first in the new Wheelies series). Sarah and her husband, Deepak, have five children.

About the Illustrator:  Tania Rex was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania. She’s happiest when she can take an idea and turn it into a picture. Experimenting with styles and drawing is how she spends most of her spare time. Tania draws inspiration from little everyday miracles, aiming to point audience attention to the ever-present magic of real life.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

Do Your Best: How To Be a Scout by Bear Grylls

“Do Your Best” (Hodder Faith, April 16, 2024) by Bear Grylls is the handbook for every Scout, in which you’ll learn all the skills the scouts use to do their best in everything they do and set themselves up to face life head-on and make a real difference in the world.

The essential handbook for the scout in all of us

What more could you ask for, than a book stuffed like an overfilled rucksack with tips and tricks from one of the world’s most celebrated adventurers from pitching a tent, leading a team, how to keep fit, tie knots, memorize facts, identify trees, stars and birds, as well as learning real survival skills like putting up a tent in the wild and stashing your breakfast in ground to keep it hot for the next morning?

This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout.

Not since Scouting for Boys, the seminal 1908 book by Robert Baden-Powell that sparked the global movement, has there been a single handbook for every Scout. Whoever you are it will help you step up, speak up, skill up and dream big.

Grab life with both hands, never give up and give life you your best shot with Do Your Best: How To Be a Scout. Stunningly typographically designed and richly illustrated, this will be the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life—young or old.

Chapters include:

• How to Survive
• How to give first aid
• How to protect our planet
• How to be an adventurer
• How to predict the weather

And that’s just for starters!

“Hefty helpings of useful bits and motivational advice for enjoying the great outdoors.”
—Kirkus

“Do Your Best is the handbook for every Scout, young and old.”
—Clare O’Beara, FreshFiction

Bear Grylls is the author of over 85 books that have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, including the No. 1 bestselling Mud, Sweat, and Tears. A former Special Forces soldier and Everest mountaineer, Bear starred in Discovery’s hit TV series Man vs. Wild for seven seasons, before hosting the National Geographic Channel series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls. This show has seen him take global stars such as Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller and even President Obama on adventures into the wild.

For more information, please contact: Kaitlyn Shokes at Kaitlyn.shokes@hachette.co.uk

EUGENE, Ore (February 15, 2024) – Throughout 2024, Harvest House Publishers will celebrate its 50-year anniversary as a family-owned evangelical Christian publisher. Since its inception, Harvest House has operated with the mission of publishing accessible, high-quality books that proclaim Jesus Christ as the answer to every human need.

Founded in 1974, Bob Hawkins Sr. launched the company in Irvine, California, with a catalog of five co-published books and only a few employees. In 1981, Harvest House relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where the company soon grew to become one of the top ten publishers of Christian literature. In 1991, Bob Hawkins Jr. succeeded his father as company president and saw Harvest House continue to thrive through its publishing of a host of notable and loyal writers, including such perennial bestselling authors as Stormie Omartian, Jim and Elizabeth George, Bob and Emilie Barnes, Kay Arthur, Lysa TerKeurst, Ron Rhodes, and Lori Wick.

Presently, Harvest House has distributed more than 200 million books worldwide in over 75 languages. It has a backlist of more than 1,750 titles and continues to publish approximately 90 books each year, including those under the growing imprints of Harvest Kids, Harvest Prophecy, and Ten Peaks Press. In the last six years, the company has enjoyed noteworthy success in such categories as cultural apologetics, current events, Bible prophecy, lifestyle, and children’s books.

“It has been an incredible privilege for each of us at Harvest House to have served and supported our valued authors with the life-changing distribution and impact of their biblically sound books now for five decades,” notes Hawkins, who continues to lead the company. “We are humbled by the opportunity every day to use the gifts God has given us to purposefully point people to Jesus in the books we publish. And we’re eager to build upon our recent rapid growth so we can bring spiritual truth and nourishment to many more readers in the decades to come.”

To commemorate this milestone anniversary, Harvest House is delighted to announce the upcoming release of the Harvest Legacy Collection: four hardcover special editions of signature bestselling books written by several of the company’s most enduring authors. The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian and Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Dr. Tony Evans will release in October 2024, followed by the February 2025 releases of A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George and How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur, Pete De Lacy, and David Arthur.

The landmark publications in the Harvest Legacy Collection highlight the widespread impact Harvest House books have had over the past 50 years. Further, they celebrate the company’s ongoing desire to release timeless resources that encourage generations of readers to dedicate themselves to the faithful pursuit of Jesus Christ.

About Harvest House Publishers
From its beginning, the company has produced books that impact the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Media Contact: Cindy Irvin, cindy.irvin@harvesthousepublishers.com, 541-232-9663

 

Meet the Women of God’s Story

Grand Rapids, MI, Feb. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the Kingdom Girls Bible in the bestselling New International Version (NIV) translation.

“The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible provides the antidote to the negativity girls are exposed to daily,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “The lessons learned from the fierce and fearless women of the Bible will be invaluable as our young people face the challenges of the times and those to come.”

The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible. With more than 400 engaging features, illustrations, and notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today. Features include:

• Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible
• Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music
• Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize
• Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world
• Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness
• A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow
• Book Introductions – An overview of each book of the Bible
• Subject Index – Find features written about specific topics like courage, kindness, or joy
• Beautiful illustrations and full color throughout
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• Satin ribbon marker
• Print size: 9
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface

“What a privilege it has been to write the notes for this girls’ Bible. My heart and soul are in every word,” said Jean Syswerda, author/editor of the Kingdom Girls Bible. “It was a genuine labor of love! I prayed as I wrote and now continue to pray it will impact girls as they read and interact with God’s Word.”

Using the accurate, readable, and clear NIV text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority.

The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible is available now. To request a review copy, please email Amy Bigler at amy.bigler@harpercollins.com.

About Zondervan:  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.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Director of Public Relations, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 

February 2024 | LISLE, IL—Terence Lester, author of four books with IVP, has signed a contract for a fifth to release in Winter 2025 that is tentatively titled From Dropout to Doctorate.

Recently named by Atlanta magazine as one of the top five hundred leaders in the city, Lester is the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. His four books with IVP include I See You, When We Stand, All God’s Children, and Zion Learns to See, coauthored with his daughter, Zion. He has also coproduced a biographical documentary based on his book The U-Turn Project: Answering the Call.

Born into a two-parent household that split because of domestic violence, Lester, his mother, and his sister moved from place to place while trying to find stability. Internalizing the trauma, Lester turned to gangs, became a juvenile delinquent, and eventually dropped out of high school. However, a brief encounter with a man experiencing homelessness during Lester’s time on the streets changed his perspective and motivated him to complete his education. After graduating high school as a fifth-year senior, Lester went on to defy the odds by earning five degrees, including a PhD with a concentration in public policy.

He writes, “The reality is that not everyone begins competing in the game of life from the same starting line. In fact, many have been forced to stand outside the stadium and must work hard just to gain admission into it. This book reveals how one man did so—and how you can too.”

In this forthcoming book Lester examines the profound impact of poverty and unjust policies and systems on Black communities, highlighting how poverty disrupts the lives of Black families, leading to homelessness and perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline. Drawing from personal encounters and scholarly research, Lester sheds light on the complexities surrounding the scarcity of PhDs in urban areas. This has become even more relevant after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action—a policy that personally affected Lester’s family—on June 29, 2023. As a public scholar and nonprofit leader, Lester brings a unique perspective to the discussion, advocating for equitable access to advanced education and addressing the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for Black people.

Lester’s campaigns on behalf of the poor, including #LoveSinksIn (which provides handwashing stations for the poor), have been featured in USA Today, Black Enterprise, Essence, and Reader’s Digest. They have been viewed by millions of people globally on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS News, NBC, Upworthy, and “The Bright Side” with Katie Couric. Lester was named by Coca-Cola as one of their History Shakers.

Lester has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including the Empire Board of Realtists Distinguished Service Award (2017), the SCLC Social Advocacy Award (2016), Atlanta Voice’s 50 Under 50 honor (2016), the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks (2016), and the Fulton County Schools Service Award (2015).

The acquisitions editor for From Dropout to Doctorate is Al Hsu, associate editorial director, trade, for IVP. Lester was represented by Trinity McFadden of The Bindery Agency, and this title includes world rights.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Colorado Springs, Co. (February 19, 2024)—Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release a new YA title and a new kids title in the summer of 2024. The new books—Running on Empty and Dolphins in Danger—equip parents to raise their children with thriving faith.

Running on Empty | Riverbend Friends #7
Running on Empty returns to the lives of four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. One of the girls, Izzy, has tried all sorts of hobbies, games, and sports to find her identity. She still loves art and showing off her baking creations, but she grapples with doubts and the feeling that there is something missing. Meanwhile, Izzy considers whether her friendship with her cute neighbor, Cody, could evolve into something more.

When everyone has a smartphone, access to inappropriate or hurtful content can affect mental health and damage relationships. Gossip and misinformation spread quickly in the age of technology: It seems that everyone Izzy is close to has something dark lurking beneath the surface.

The novel inspires young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.

---

Dolphins in Danger | Magnificent Mulligans #5
When Mike Mulligan gets a call from a friend who needs help with a distressed dolphin, he and his daughter drive up the coast to try to help. But a big storm in the forecast is going to make this mission difficult.

Meanwhile, the other Mulligans are excited about new opportunities. Julie is learning to take care of flamingoes, Janelle is learning to play tennis, and Nick is learning to fly an airplane.

Through these adventures, the Mulligan family learns how to stick together, protect the vulnerable, and stand up for what’s right.

 

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Natalie Wierenga at  nataliewierenga@tyndale.com.

Running on Empty | ISBN: 978-1-64607-090-9
Softcover: $14.99 | June 2024

Dolphins in Danger | ISBN: 978-1-64607-132-6
Softcover: $14.99 | August 2024

FocusOnTheFamily.com
Tyndale.com

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive in Christ. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784.5211

In this internationally bestselling book, Pope Francis shares fifteen rules for how to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Life can be hard, but no matter what challenges you are facing, Pope Francis wants you to know you were created by God for this moment. There is always a way to find joy and to celebrate the wonder of the life we have been given.

In this brand-new book, Pope Francis offers fifteen mindsets that allow readers to find hope and meaning in every circumstance. He encourages us to defend and protect the light that shines in us, to believe in the beautiful, to find meaning in the struggles, to work for peace, and to build something wherever we are. He also reminds us of the importance of gratitude, warns Christians against complacency, and encourages real, face-to-face connection over conversations merely on screens. He points us toward the light, and also opens up with powerful vulnerability about times he has faced the darkness himself, calling us all to meaningful prayer.

None of us knows how many days are left before us. The wisdom in this heartfelt collection will encourage, inspire, equip, and ultimately help you to live a beautiful and meaningful life.

Pope Francis–Jorge Mario Bergoglio–was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, the son of Italian immigrants. He was ordained a priest in the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1969 and created a bishop in 1992. He became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was named a cardinal in 2001. In March 2013 he was elected Bishop of Rome, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church.

February 2024 | LISLE, IL—With an eye toward the March 26 release of the IVP Academic title Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past, the accompanying film by the same name will premiere at Justice Film Festival in New York City February 21–24, 2024.

The Awakening to Justice film details what happens when a historian discovers a forgotten abolitionist manuscript dated from 1839, only to find that he and his fellow researchers uncovered a text that sheds light on the reality of racism today—and the history of faith and race in America

“The origins of Awakening to Justice sounds like something out of a mystery novel, starting with the discovery of a previously unknown handwritten journal in a box in the back of a storage closet at a small Christian college,” said Jon Boyd, associate publisher and academic editorial director at InterVarsity Press. “Upon investigation, it turned out to be a never-before-studied journal kept by an abolitionist in the 1830s—and the tale gets more interesting from there.”

In 2015, the historian Chris Momany helped discover a manuscript that had been forgotten in a storage closet at Adrian College in Michigan. He identified it as the journal of a nineteenth-century Christian abolitionist and missionary, David Ingraham. As Momany and a fellow historian Doug Strong pored over the diary, they realized that studying this document could open new conversations for twenty-first-century Christians to address the reality of racism today. They invited a multiracial team of fourteen scholars to join in, thus launching the Dialogue on Race and Faith Project.

The Dialogue on Race and Faith Project brings together a multicultural team of Christian scholars to study a newly discovered abolitionist journal, to meet and travel to sites of importance from the nineteenth-century antislavery movement, and to discuss how issues of faith and race among abolitionists may provide a usable history for addressing the struggle for racial justice today.

Project members and contributors include Jemar Tisby, Christopher P. Momany, Sègbégnon Mathieu Gnonhossou, David D. Daniels III, R. Matthew Sigler, Douglas M. Strong, Diane Leclerc, Esther Chung-Kim, Albert G. Miller, and Estrelda Y. Alexander.

The book Awakening to Justice, which also includes a study guide, explores the groundbreaking work of these scholars and offers insight and hope for people engaged in the work of racial justice.

Boyd said, “We are honored to be partnering with The Dialogue on Race and Faith Project to publish the book that contains the group’s historical research into the background, context, and actions of the interracial community behind this early justice movement—and its thought-provoking implications for Christians in our own time.”

The Awakening to Justice film highlights intentional, countercultural communities as examples of interracial cooperation and equality, and provides a fresh approach to today’s conversations about race and faith in the church.

Andy Peterson, founder and creative director for Justice Film Festival, said, “Awakening to Justice challenges viewers to consider the history that has led to the racial divide we’re experiencing, and it inspires us with a pathway for healing. As such, it’s a perfect film for Justice Film Festival, and we are proud to present its world premiere in New York City.”

Justice Film Festival is the foremost showcase for films that shine a light on social justice and affirm the dignity of all people. Since 2012, JFF has been dedicated to creating a platform for redemptive stories of marginalized people and ecosystems bravely overcoming challenges and bringing hope, compassion, and light to a world in need of inspiration.

Justice Film Festival celebrates diverse voices, amplifies stories from underserved communities, and bears witness to injustice worldwide with films focused on racial and environmental justice, poverty, trafficking, equality for women, health care, education, justice for immigrants and refugees, and many other important topics.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

On February 6, 2024, Joseph (“Joey”) Eugene Paul, known and loved by an extended family of creatives in the world of Christian publishing, passed on to be with His Lord and Savior. His loving wife, Sharon, was faithfully at his side as she had been for more than 40 years.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, May 24, 1945, Joey graduated from Mobile College (now University of Mobile), earned a master’s degree from Southwestern Seminary, and began working on a doctoral degree at Baylor University. In 1970 while a grad student at Baylor, he went to work part time at Word, Incorporated in Waco, as a copy editor.  His graduate work, however, was interrupted in 1971 when the President of Word, Jarrell McCracken, asked him to come to work full time to be a part of the new educational film curriculum department.  That was at a time when Word was largely defined by innovative contemporary Christian music, including such artists as Rich Mullins, The Imperials, Petra, Carman, and The Gaithers.

In 1976 Joey was impressed with what he heard and saw in the beginnings of Dr. James C. Dobson’s ministry and radio show, Focus on the Family, then based in Southern California. Working on behalf of Word, Joey connected with Dr. Dobson and managed the production and distribution of what was to become the innovative, seven-part, Focus on the Family Film Series.  Film series rentals began in 1978 and, over the next half-dozen years, it was screened by thousands of churches across North America, winning an award from the Christian Film Distributors Association (CFDA).

In November of 1988 Word was relocated from Waco to Las Colinas, Texas. This move triggered the complete reorganization of Word Books by Byron Williamson, its new Executive Vice President, Executive Publisher. Joey was promoted from his role as Director of film/video to Vice President of Word Books, reporting to Kip Jordon, Publisher.

In this new role at Word, Joey’s impact on the Christian book industry mushroomed. He worked creatively with such bestselling authors as Billy Graham, James Dobson, Josh McDowell, Anne Graham Lotz, Barbara Johnson, Charles Swindoll, Tony Campolo, David Jeremiah, and many more.

In 2001 Joey left Word joined Byron Williamson in the start-up of Integrity Publishers, serving as Vice President, Editorial. In short order the Integrity team published Sarah Young and her multi-million copy bestselling Jesus Calling. At Integrity Publishers Joey worked with many well-known authors such as Beth Moore, Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Emerson Eggerichs, Henry Cloud and John Townsend, Gary Smalley, Jerry Jenkins, Pat Robertson, Roma Downey and T.D. Jakes, in addition to Sarah Young.

Integrity was acquired by Thomas Nelson at the end of 2006. Joey made the transition back to Nelson, serving as Vice President of Editorial and Acquisitions. But Joey left Nelson again in 2008 to join Nashville-based FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group USA. As Executive Editor, he worked with such authors as David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.

In 2017 Joey returned to Thomas Nelson, which by then was a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), as an Executive Editor. “With over forty-six years of industry experience when he returned to Nelson, Joey was an invaluable asset not only to the editorial process, but to our business as a whole,” said David Moberg, former Senior Vice President and HCCP Group Publisher.

“Throughout his career in Christian publishing,” says Byron Williamson, “Joey Paul was known as a person who took his faith seriously, working so creatively with a broad list of best-selling authors, whose books sold millions of copies around the globe.”

When they heard of Joey’s passing, these leading Christian authors said of him:

“Cynthia and I loved Joey Paul. We had a great relationship with him for so many years.  Our hearts go out to Joey’s wife Sharon as she does her best to press on without him.”
Chuck Swindoll

“I loved working with Joey on several of my books over the years. He was always so very creative as we worked together.  I will never forget that it was through Joey’s wonderful creativity that we came up with the idea for one of my most successful books, The Book of Signs.  Joey’s brilliance was all over that very effective book.  We will all miss Joey.”
David Jeremiah

“Joey Paul loved books, loved publishing, and loved authors. And, since I’m an author, I benefitted from his loyalty and advice. He was an ever-ready source of encouragement and good counsel. Always a phone call or flight away, he made himself available at all times. He is irreplaceable.  I will miss him very much.”
Max Lucado

“In my fifty years of publishing and creative work, I have collaborated with many publishers, producers, and writers.  One of my favorite colleagues was Joey Paul.  I have loved this man like a brother, and I will miss him in the days ahead.”
James Dobson

And, industry veteran, Rolf Zettersten, had this to say about Joey:

“It was my privilege to work with Joey beginning very early in both our professional careers.  Over those 50 years that our work with Christian publishing overlapped, Joey and I worked together with many authors and books, and many others working in Christian publishing.  I knew him as a loyal, devoted, and dedicated teammate. He loved golf, fishing, and a robust Cabernet. Our relationship became much more than as professional colleagues, we became close personal friends as well.   My thoughts and prayers his wife Sharon until she and Joey are reunited in eternity.”

On behalf of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Mark Schoenwald, CEO and President, stated:

“HarperCollins Christian Publishing mourns the passing of Joey Paul, whose work helped to shape the Christian publishing landscape of the past several decades.  Joey was a masterful editor, acquiring and shaping remarkable books over his more than 50-year career in Christian Publishing.  His work impacted and enriched millions of lives.”

Doing life with Joey Paul is one of the most important relationships of my life. He and I also shared the joys of the Scriptures, golf, a glass of excellent wine, sushi, reading great authors, fishing on the waters of the deep, and family. Joey loved the authors he had the privilege to advise, edit and serve. But Joey’s greatest joys were found in Jesus, Sharon, and his son, daughters, and grandchildren. He was a great father, a true man of God and a lover of the Word of God. He blessed so many so well, and so many will miss him dearly. It is certain I will!  I am also certain that as Joey stepped into heaven, Kip Jordon, Ernie Owen and Brian Hampton were right there at the pearly gates ready to sing, dance and play a round of golf with their old friend!

Joey is survived by his wife Sharon, son Jeffrey, daughters Kimberly and Kristen, sisters Susan and Sylvia, and seven grandchildren.

Article composed and submitted by Sealy Yates, founding partner of Yates & Yates, Literary Agency, and Joey Paul’s longtime friend.