Posted by Terry White on November 17, 2010 | No Comments
J. Davis Illingworth has a successful automotive career behind him, a big vision for reaching the world for Christ, and an ambitious product-plan ahead of him that is beginning to unfold. The first two products in Illingworth’s “God of Hope” project, a 153-page paperback book and its accompanying study/discussion guide, have just been released by BMH Books of Winona Lake, Ind.
Through the first-person testimonies of the disciple Thomas, the prophet Moses, the apostle Paul and the disciple John, God of Hope brings to life the energy, passion, and brilliance of God’s mysterious plan for the universe and humanity as it is unfolding in history.
God’s story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In the book Moses tells the beginning, Thomas and Paul tell the middle, and John tells how the story will end. It is a story of hope versus despair, good versus evil, truth versus lies, love versus hate, life versus death.
These stirring accounts will inspire Christians to greater courage and trust in God, and can also lead nonbelievers to faith by introducing them to the hope available from the one true God. This overview of God’s plan, as well as the author’s compelling presentation of his own story, invite readers to consider the story of their own lives and to reflect on how that fits into God’s plan for humanity.
About the book, Grace College and Seminary president Ronald Manahan said, “God’s story is the big story in this book and the reason for hope. With gripping transparency the author tells his own story of struggling with and trusting in the God of hope. Dave Illingworth’s story invites the reader to turn from despair and loss of hope to God’s story of hope through His Son.”
Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame nominee and Fox broadcaster, said, “This project is so Dave–it covers all the bases and pays close attention to detail. I love the way it connects my story, His story, and your story. God of Hope will reach many souls and make a huge difference in believers’ and non-believers’ lives.”
The author, J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth, Jr., was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Planning and Administrative Officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. In this position he was responsible for Finance, Corporate Services, Business Planning, Human Resources, Information Systems, Strategic and Product Planning, Advanced Product Strategy, Telematics, Legal, University of Toyota, and Motorsports.
Illingworth joined Toyota in 1980. He was with Lexus from the division’s inception in January 1987 through 1992, and he was instrumental in making Lexus an industry leader in customer satisfaction, sales, and quality. Most recently, Illingworth was senior vice president and general manager for the Toyota Division from 1992 to 1997, overseeing sales and marketing.
In recognition of his work, Illingworth was named Automotive News All-Star for 1997; Automobile Magazine’s 1992 “Man of the Year” for his leadership of the new Lexus Division; and one of the auto industry’s “Top 10 Newsmakers” by Automotive News. One of the vehicles he oversaw, the Camry, earned the title of America’s best-selling car in 1997.
A graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Illingworth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and is a former member of the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees. At age 65, Dave retired from Toyota and now lives in Winona Lake, Indiana, with his wife, Cynthia, and is the Toyota dealer in the nearby town of Warsaw. The Illingworths have raised five children.
The discussion study guide that accompanies the book, designed for use by small groups, Adult Bible Fellowships, and individual study, includes stimulating discussion questions and was created by Jesse Deloe, who has worked with BMH Books as senior editor for a number of years.
The book retails for $14.95 and its ISBN number is 978-0-88469-271-3. The study guide, ISBN 978-0-88469-275-1, retails for $4.95 and both publications are available at www.bmhbooks.com, by calling 1-800-348-2756, or from local or online booksellers.
The book and study guide are the first of a series of products which will eventually include an e-book, an audio book, a music CD, and a full video DVD version, featuring top-flight professional actors and singers. More on the God of Hope project and access to future products may be obtained at www.godofhope.net.
An additional newspaper article about Illingworth and his project may be seen by clicking here. (page 2).
When the semi-trailer backed up to the BMH loading dock today, it brought a new printing of several hundred thousand copies of BMH’s premier gospel tract, “Life’s Most Important Question.”
