Christian retailers attending HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s sales conference were treated to a special evening with best-selling author Max Lucado and country music star Jimmy Wayne this week in Nashville.

Retailers enjoyed a Southern-style buffet and the opportunity to hear Lucado introduce his next major trade book, You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times (Thomas Nelson, Sept. 10), at the “Grace. Hope. Faith. with Max Lucado and Jimmy Wayne” event held Monday, March 4 at the Loveless Barn situated next to the famed Loveless Café. Thomas Nelson has the goal of reaching 1 million broken hearts with the message of You'll Get Through This.

Reflecting on the Old Testament figure of Joseph, Lucado encouraged attendees to look to God as their source in tough times.

“God is not out of solutions,” he said.

But Lucado cautioned those enduring trials with advice he has found helpful as a pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio: “Don’t despair. Don’t be foolish.”

Wayne shared several songs and his life story along with a video of his hit song “I Love You This Much.” Saved at age 9 in a Vacation Bible School, he grew up in an abusive home and was abandoned to homelessness by his mother and stepfather at age 13. In and out of foster homes, he finally found stability in the home of an older couple, Bea and Russell Costner. With Bea’s encouragement, Wayne found his voice and now performs alongside stars such as Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley.

Wayne’s testimony will be part of Country Faith, a new book by music journalist and Gospel Music Association board member Deborah Evans Price, who introduced the forthcoming release at the event. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Sophia’s Heart, a foundation for children established by Danny Gokey of American Idol fame in honor of his late wife.

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