The WWJD Phenomenon

"What Would Jesus Do?"

The first WWJD bracelets were made a little over nine years ago, when Janie Tinlenberg's Youth Group from the Calvary Reformed Church of Holland, MI, placed an order for 200 bracelets from Lesco Corp, a promotional products company in Lancing, Michigan.  The Youth group was studying the book, "In His Steps" an 1896 novel by Charles Sheldon.  In the book, the congregation had witnessed a homeless man die in their church. The event was so disturbing it caused them to want to live their lives as Jesus would; thus the saying "What Would Jesus Do? -- WWJD"

The bracelets were designed after the popular "Friendship" bracelets which were in vogue in the late 1980's and early 1990's.   Since this modest beginning, the WWJD bracelets and other merchandising has grown. To date, over 15 million bracelets have been sold, and these products are sold not only in Christian Bookstores, but also in the large chain stores, such as Wal-Mart and  K-Mart.   The Phenomenon has grown into a marketing bonanza, the WWJD initials now adorn T-Shirts, Caps, Bumper Stickers, and even stationary.  It is so popular, it even has it's own chat room at www.wwjd.com

Please refer to Mr. Kinklighter's Article for more details.

The News & Observer   

Saturday, August 29, 1998   

"WWJD bracelets keep inspiration close at hand"   

by Kirk Kinklighter, Staff Writer, kkicklib@nando.com