Publishing-industry giants CBA and Thomas Nelson are now working together to help global ministry World Vision raise as much as $1.4 million in support to help children. The surprising joint program was announced on Monday (Jul. 11, 2011) at ICRS, the industry’s trade show, with World Vision President Richard Stearns on hand.

The program funds will help end poverty and preventable deaths among children in the United States and worldwide. Thomas Nelson presented a preliminary $37,500 check to Stearns during ICRS opening ceremonies. World Vision matching grants will multiply that amount to $172,500, which helps more than 4,000 children.

“We are tremendously blessed to have another helping hand with our God’s Word in Action campaign,” said Mark Schoenwald, Thomas Nelson president and CEO. “Christian retailers embracing the ‘Buy a Bible, Help a Child’ promotion will build our support for World Vision, helping more and more children. Working together with CBA will also give us a chance to recognize the importance of local retailers in their communities as they spread God’s Word. We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to fulfill our ongoing mission of inspiring the world.” 

The funds will channel to World Vision as part of Thomas Nelson’s “Buy a Bible, Help a Child” promotion. From April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2012 sales of Thomas Nelson Bibles sold in U.S. Christian stores will help children through World Vision, with a minimum donation of $75,000.* The fund provides vaccines, clean water, nutritious food, basic hygiene and care, and much more to children around the world.

“Together, we can change the world,” said Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson SVP and Bible group publisher. “This campaign connects directly to the heart of Thomas Nelson’s mission in the world. We believe we are here not just to sell products, but to further God’s Word everywhere and to be an inspiration to others. 

“Our goal for the year ending March 31, 2012, is to donate $350,000 to World Vision,” Davidson said. “Those amounts will be matched by World Vision grants to multiply the funds by more than four times. If the goal is reached, that will translate to $1.4 million, helping more than 40,000 children.” 

Proceeds from all Thomas Nelson Bible sales will count toward the project, including Bibles published under the Tommy Nelson and Grupo Nelson imprints.

The campaign is part of Thomas Nelson’s “God’s Word in Action” initiative to inspire people to take actions in God’s name, whether through small or large actions. Help an elderly person across the street, buy a sandwich for a homeless person, or take a mission trip – tiny or huge, those are all steps taken to help others. Visit www.SeeGodsWordinAction.com for resources and ideas for helping others, to share stories of compassion and giving, and to learn how to be a part of changing the world.

The initiative is based on Psalm 82:3: “Stand up for the poor and the orphan; advocate for the rights of the afflicted and those in need.” (The Voice) 

“This promotion is an extraordinary initiative that demonstrates Thomas Nelson’s heart for children and commitment to the poor,” said Marcia Kuszmaul, World Vision’s director of retail partnerships. “Through one simple act, they are enabling their customers to provide lifesaving care for thousands of children and families around the world.” 

The joint Thomas Nelson-CBA program also aims to demonstrate and reinforce Christian stores’ ministry mission. Through a broad-reaching communications initiative, the two organizations will work to inform people about children’s needs and how to help. 

A special Retailer’s Spotlight program will recognize and promote Christian stores that put God’s Word in Action in their local communities. Those spotlighted will be retail stores that act as hubs in their communities with outreach such as offering Bible study groups, helping with community ministry projects, or offering other programs that inspire Christians to serve others. 

Retailers are strongly encouraged to send stories and photos to Julie Belschner, Thomas Nelson Publicist, at jbelschner@ThomasNelson.com. One story will be selected monthly to be featured in CBA Retailers+Resources magazine. Selected retailers will receive a store banner and Thomas Nelson products for local promotional help. 

Curtis Riskey, CBA executive director, said, “This kind of partnership between retailers and their trading partners makes a very powerful statement about the ministry role and purpose of Christian stores. We applaud Thomas Nelson for working closely with its Christian-retail partners to put God’s Word in action and help change the world through Christian stores.” 

* For every Thomas Nelson Bible purchased at a U.S. Christian retail store from Apr. 1, 2011, to Mar. 31, 2012, Thomas Nelson will donate to World Vision 10 percent of its year-over-year net revenue growth achieved during that period.