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Joyce Meyer Biography Sells Out Before Release Date
New Kensington, Pa. -- It’s no surprise to Richard Young that his most recent biography: Joyce Meyer: Life of Redemption and Destiny sold out in September, before its official release date –October 7, 2009.
A New York Times bestselling author, Meyer is known to millions through over 80 books. Thousands attend her conferences each year, and millions more tune in to her radio and television program, Enjoying Everyday Life, seen and heard worldwide and over the Internet. Time magazine selected her as “one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America.”
While her success is phenomenal, Young said his decision to research and write the biography was based on a more intangible factor: “People relate to Joyce Meyer,” Young said. “I’ve been moved by her candor and impressed with her uncanny ability to use personal life lessons to help others. Those going through sexual abuse, divorce, abandonment issues, and most recently, cancer, trust Joyce Meyer because she’s been in their shoes.”
Several years ago Young, a longtime pastor, former businessman, and educator, along with his wife and collaborator Brenda, began assembling a list of whom they considered America’s most influential Christian leaders. Young did not assemble his rankings arbitrarily, but applied the kind of criterion one would expect from an academic who’s written college textbooks, undergraduate curriculum, and served as dean and vice president of academics at various institutions of higher learning.
His labors resulted in three biographies with Whitaker House prior to the latest book: The Rise of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen (2007); The Journey of T. D. Jakes (2008); Messengers of Healing – The Miraculous Life and Ministry of Charles and Frances Hunter (coauthored with Brenda, 2009).
Young’s research subjects have a unique factor in common, besides the size and scope of their ministries. “I look for those special, one-time underdogs who may have been unlikely candidates for worldwide influence,” he said. “These individuals’ success demonstrates that God continually calls ordinary men and women – just like you and me -- to do extraordinary things.”
Besides offering readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Joyce Meyer’s journey, Young incorporates the heart of her ministry, providing an invaluable resource for those fighting any number of life battles.
Whitaker House Vice President Bob Whitaker, Jr., said he is “extremely pleased” at the book’s early success with readers, and says that the second printing of Joyce Meyer: Life of Redemption and Destiny is already available to retailers.
Richard Young received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He completed doctoral coursework in education at Oklahoma State University, and served as vice president of academics at American Christian College and Seminary in Oklahoma City, as well as dean of academics at Oklahoma Junior College.