New Hope® Publishers Announces Fifth Book in the “Upside-Down” Series
Upside-Down Joy Inspires Readers to Invert their Perception of Joy
Media Contact
Meredith Dunn
205.991.4985
mdunn@wmu.org
(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.)—August 10, 2015— New Hope® Publishers announces the upcoming September 2015 release of Upside-Down Joy, An Inverted Look at Sin, Sickness, Struggle, & Deathby pastor and ministry leader Andrew Mann. Mann takes the reader along on his up-and-down journey through life experiences—cancer, sin, broken relationships, injustice, injury, and death. Written with authenticity and passion, readers will connect with Mann’s relevant message to rethink the idea of suffering and will feel compelled to live an upside-down life in search of joy in the most unexpected places.
“Life is a story. The story isn’t about me. It’s a grander story, an eternal one. There is an Author. There are ups and downs. As a character in the story, there have been moments in my story that seem upside down.” —Andrew Mann, excerpt from Upside-Down Joy
“James 1:2 says, ‘When trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.’ I know I can’t be the only one who has struggled at times wrapping my mind around that verse. Have joy when I’m facing problems…what? But I have to say—I have seen this ‘upside-down joy’ lived out in very real and courageous ways as I’ve watched Andrew work with kids and young people in the troubled neighborhoods of the South Bronx and then face his own life-threatening battle with cancer. Every day Andrew models upside-down joy by modeling God’s grace in troubled situations. Learn from him how to find and show joy even when your life isn’t perfect.”—Kerrick Thomas, pastor of The Journey NYC.
“Upside-Down Joy is a refreshing look at how we as Christians can face life’s difficulties. Andrew is honest and transparent as he shares personal stories of how God has worked in the midst of sin, sickness, and even death. This is a powerful book that will inspire you to see God work and to find joy in your own life.” —Richard Brunson, director of North Carolina Baptist Men
Andrew Mann had a small-town Missouri upbringing and then . . . God moved him. He now calls the Mott Haven neighborhood in the South Bronx home. His journey from farm to city introduced him to a greater spiritual journey—from “religious life” to “real life.” He recognizes how God used so many experiences and individuals to open his eyes to truths about himself as well as his Creator. Personal experiences with sin, cancer, broken relationships, and death have turned his world upside down and in the process taught him how to live an “upside-down” life. He is currently the pastor of Graffiti 2 Baptist Church and the executive director for Graffiti 2 Community Ministries that serves countless people a year and empowers children, youth, and adults.
The mission of New Hope® Publishers is to provide books that challenge readers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. New Hope Publishers is the general trade publishing division for WMU®, a missions auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. New Hope Publishers is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).