Jack Countryman honored for his lifetime of achievements

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Publishing veteran Jack Countryman has hit another industry milestone.  After surpassing the 20 million-unit mark this past December as author of the God's Promises brand, Countryman continues to gain recognition for his impact on the publishing industry.  At the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's (ECPA) Executive Leadership Summit in Colorado Springs last night, Countryman was given the Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award.

Countryman was honored for his 30-year contribution to inspirational publishing. According to a press release from the ECPA, "The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association is pleased to honor Jack Countryman with the 2014 Charles 'Kip' Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to Christian publishing and in recognition of a continuing legacy impacting lives for Christ through leadership in publishing and establishing the respected J. Countryman gift book line of more than 100 inspirational books that touch hearts and change lives."

A December 2013 press release from Thomas Nelson publishers stated, "Countryman wrote God's Promises at his kitchen table with the help of his wife, Marsha. Originally distributed from the trunk of their car, the demand for 'God's Promises' quickly grew. Jack met with ministers and distributors across the country, creating new books in the God's Promises line along the way. In 1986, Jack trademarked the JCountryman brand, solidifying its place in the market and essentially creating the Christian gift books business."

Countryman joined Thomas Nelson publishers in 1994 and in four years the JCountryman gift books line went from $2.5 million to $22 million in earnings.  Now the publisher emeritus for Thomas Nelson's gift division, Countryman continues to work with authors and write several Christian bestsellers of his own.  God's Promises continues to be JCountryman's bestselling brand.

Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing—parent organization to Thomas Nelson—commented, "Jack is an inspiration to all of us and a leader by example each day with his positive attitude and incredible work ethic. While his publishing accomplishments are many, he is an even better mentor and teacher to all of us. He is generous in sharing his knowledge and experience and is a tireless worker to apply his gifts he has been given to spread the Gospel and impact people's lives in a profound way."

Earlier this year, Countryman was given a salutation by the State of Tennessee's House of Representatives General Assembly.   In February 2014, he was presented with a proclamation that stated he was being recognized as, "one of those citizens who have worked with compassion and conviction to open the doors of spirituality for their fellow Christians through the printed word…" continuing to say that Countryman was, "a legend in the realm of Christian publishing…." 

"To receive such prestigious awards is both humbling and a great honor," said Countryman. "Touching lives and changing them for God's glory is our motto. It's why we do what we do with inspirational gift books. "

In addition to his contributions to the publishing industry, Countryman is the founder of In His Grip Golf, a men's Christian sports outreach ministry with a vision to, "provide a first-class golf experience to improve your game on and off the course."  Churches all over the country use the In His Grip program to build relationships within the community to create a common ground to share the Gospel. 

For more information about any of the JCountryman line of gift books, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world's leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., is comprised of the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world's largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, MI and Miami, FL.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.  

SOURCE HarperCollins Christian Publishing