Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation

The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation is a mainstream Christian ‘organization.’

Since 1999, the Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation regularly spends millions of dollars on TV and magazine ads, offering their free book, “Power for Living.” The book has been advertised in the USA (since 1999), in Germany (2001), and most recently in Japan (since early 2007).

The book, meant to introduce people to Jesus Christ, was written by the late Jamie Buckingham — a non-denominational pastor and author.

No contributions are solicited or accepted, names of those requesting the book are not added to mailing lists, nothing is being offered for sale, and aside from sending the book no one is contacted.

The Foundation does not seek publicity, and does not grant interviews. This approach has puzzled many, with some wondering whether the book promotes a cult. It does not.

The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation does not have, nor seek, followers or members.

The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation

In 1999, the Los Angeles Times reported:

A Times reporter who phoned the foundation headquarters in West Palm Beach was offered a short printed statement by fax:

“The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that identifies and addresses some major concerns within our society. . . . The objective of the ‘Power for Living’ project is to acquaint people with the biblical account of how [they] can know God in a personal way. This is done by . . . promoting the free, nondenominational book. . . . The Foundation has a history of not seeking publicity for itself . . . but, rather, of letting its projects speak for themselves. . . . We will continue to adhere to that policy.”
– Source: Inspired to Give Something for Nothing . . . What’s the Catch?, Los Angeles Times, Jan. 19, 1999

The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, established in 1955, is a non-profit group located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Its stated purpose is to “support [Christian] programs initiated and managed by the foundation that are evangelistic and discipling in nature.”

In its 2004 annual return to the IRS the foundation states its purpose as follows:

The purposes of the corporation are to promulgate the Christian Gospel throughout the world by any and all proper means, including, but not by way of limitation, the technical assistance of missionaries and missionary groups, the support of pastors, evangelists, missionaries, preachers and others engaged in the promulgation of the Christian Gospel, the printing and distribution of Christian literature, Bibles and tracts, and the support and operation of audio and audio-visual means of communication, all on a non-profit basis…”
– Source: 2004 Annual Return

Arthur S. Demoss made his fortune as founder of the National Liberty Life Insurance Co. He was known for his evangelistic efforts among business people, whom he considered to be a neglected mission field. Since his death, in 1979, his wife has been running the foundation.

As founder of the National Liberty Life Insurance Co., he helped pioneer the art of selling low-cost insurance by direct mail. When he died in 1979, on the tennis court of his 50-acre Bryn Mawr estate, National Liberty had 1.5-million policyholders, $500 million in assets, and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Along the way, DeMoss had become an evangelical Christian, known locally for his philanthropy and the elegant dinners he and his wife, Nancy, held. Roy Rogers and Art Linkletter, the latter of whom was the firm spokesman and a member of the board of directors, were often invited, according to DeMoss’ obituary in a Philadelphia paper.
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Since DeMoss’ death, his wife has run the foundation, and does not grant interviews. Nor do his children, who are all active in foundation work and other evangelical Christian causes.
– Source: Inspired to Give Something for Nothing . . . What’s the Catch?, Los Angeles Times, Jan. 19, 1999