This year marks the 30th anniversary JCountryman’s “God’s Promises” brand. Having sold 18 million books since its original publication, God's Promises still tops best-seller charts.

Jack Countryman wrote God’s Promises at his kitchen table with the help of his wife, Marsha, three decades ago. Originally distributed from the trunk of their car, the demand for God’s Promises and its follow-up book, God’s Wisdom, quickly grew. In 1986, Jack trademarked the JCountryman brand, further extending the presence of the gift book line.

In December 1994, JCountryman joined the Thomas Nelson family, turning a $2.5 million company into a $22 million company in just four years.

Countryman, publisher emeritus of JCountryman and Thomas Nelson Gift Books, continues to play a vital role in the development of Christian gift books in writing and ministry sales. Last month, he had four books on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s best-seller list and five books on CBA’s list. Seven of his titles have sold more than 500,000 units.

“Our success has come because we have developed and created inspiration gift books that are Scripture-based and designed to touch and change lives,” Countryman said. “Our first book, God's Promises, which has sold over 9 million [copies], was designed as a Scripture-crisis book that gives the reader the promises God has for them during everyday circumstances.” 

Consumers have come to trust the JCountryman name through the years.

“We now have over 500 spinner racks in the retail marketplace, and that number continues to grow every year,” Countryman said.

Countryman is “hopeful” and “thankful” for the Christian retailer.

“I am hopeful that the Christian retailer would continue to market life-changing books and products that draw people to Jesus Christ,” he said. “I am thankful for the partnership with Christian retailers that we have enjoyed over the past 30 years, without which we could not have celebrated our success.”

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