On the heels of the announcement that acclaimed hardcore band For Today would be disbanding at the end of the year, lead singer Mattie Montgomery announced the release of his debut memoir. Available on 10-10-16, Lovely Things in Ugly Places will be also be available for purchase on For Today's final worldwide tour.
 
For Today took Jesus' charge to preach the gospel seriously, and set out to share the gospel in bars, clubs and festivals where typically Christianity is absent. Other than appearing at an occasional Christian festival, For Today has spent over a decade exclusively performing before crowds that would rarely step through the doors of a church.
 
"When we started this band in 2005, we never imagined that our music would take us all around the world. Our lives have been hugely impacted by the time we've spent making music and touring. We met our wives, had kids and moved to different states because of For Today. It's been an incredible experience, but we feel like now is the time to close this chapter of our lives and move on" For Today's Facebook status read announcing the Band's decision to break up. 
 
However, Mattie takes this idea of the chapter closing very literally. From the beginning, For Today made an intentional decision to be metal band committed to spreading the gospel. Over the years, the band has collected countless stories of people being impacted with their message and ministry. These stories are the heart of Mattie's memoir, Lovely Things in Ugly Places. 
  
In the intro to his novel, Mattie shares the inspiration for both the band and the memoir: "Wherever fear has built a wall, love can build a bridge. Even in the ugliest places, the light of hope can shine into the darkness of despair. And if we're willing to step bravely into the cold emptiness that some call life, we just might see the beauty of hope begin to blossom again where there was once nothing." 
 
Over the past few years, Mattie has begun to transfer his platform to business owner and evangelist, speaking all over the world at outreach events and churches. Mattie is passionate about inspiring and training churches to seek and save the lost. "The role of an evangelist is to equip the church to impact the world for Jesus. When Christians partner with Jesus and get a heart to share their faith more effectively, it's incredible. Helping inspire people become bold in their faith while becoming more compassionate is a gift. I'm honored to begin to focus more on this new chapter."