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Everyone knows the phrase: 'one life can change the world'. And thanks to his traffic jam prayer, Gary Davidson's life has done just that - and so can yours, through Thomas Nelson Bibles, their God's Word in Action campaign and the Christian charity World Vision.
Pledge to Honour God and Serve Others
Gary Davidson had been in the business for 29 years, and with Thomas Nelson publishing for more than 10. Sitting in traffic one evening, on his way home from the job he loved and had given his life too, he asked God if sales was the best avenue for his time and talents; even to the point of pledging God he’d walk away from his job if that was what God asked of him.
You Always Know When it's God's Idea
Gary kept his future a subject of prayer. Two weeks later, he went in to work to be met by the president of Thomas Nelson who asked him to take over the Bible division as senior vice president.
Undecided, it was on a further home commute that Gary finally felt certain of the right thing to do. He went to his bosses with a proposal that would change the life of millions. He called it of ‘God’s Word in Action’.
The concept was simple. He'd take the job, but not simply to produce the Word and make profits, but to go out there and do the Word. Everyone, Gary remembers was not only supportive of the idea, but enthusiastic to give back and do what the Bible says we should do and look after 'the least of these'. “When you get that kind of support,” reflects Gary, “You always know it’s God’s idea.”
Gary's idea was simple; a partnership with the Chrsitian charity World Vision - also the partner charity for Eden.co.uk. Taking his mission statement from one of Thomas Nelson's newest, most innovative Bibles, The Voice Bible: "Stand up for the poor and the orphan; advocate for the rights of the afflicted and those in need." (Psalm 82:3) The 200 year old Bible publishing house pledged a share of its profits and business growth to feed the hungry, house the homeless, heal the sick and bring hope to the hopeless.
Bible Readers Can Change the World
In its first year, Thomas Nelson gave more than $112,000 to World Vision’ based on revenues from Bible sales.
World Vision increased this contribution, through matched funds and pledges, into more than $500,000. The result was aid provided to more than 24,000 children and a 'Champions of Faith Award' for the company.
For year 2 of the project, Thomas Nelson is promising a minimum of $100,000 by April 2013. But that's not the most important aspect of the ‘God’s Word in Action’ concept.
Buy a Bible, Help a Child
Now vice president at Christian publishers, Hatchett Books, the rest of Gary’s prayer for God’s Word in Action is that inspires others to: "Get out into their neighbourhoods and towns and do something to change the world."
"We really believe," he says, "that together we can change the world." And change happens when buyers and users of Thomas Nelson Bibles speak up and act for those of God’s children least able to speak up and act for themselves.
